The American Legion 91st National Convention THE AMERICAN LEGION 91ST NATIONAL CONVENTION OFFICIAL PROGRAM & ANNUAL REPORT & ANNUAL PROGRAM OFFICIAL CONVENTION 91ST NATIONAL LEGION AMERICAN THE

August 21-27, 2009 • Louisville, Kentucky Offi cial Program & Annual Report

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Page CV2 DATE 8 a.m. Event Name Title Location Table of Contents

Welcome Greetings from President Obama ...... 2 Greetings from Louisville ...... 3 Commander’s Message ...... 4 Auxiliary Welcome ...... 6 8 & 40 Welcome ...... 7 Welcome to Louisville ...... 8 Convention Center Map ...... 10 Hotel Directory ...... 11 Programs & Agendas ...... 13 Patriotic Memorial Service ...... 15 Parade Map and Rules ...... 16 Standing Rules for the National Convention ...... 19 Standing Commissions and Committees Meetings .20 Agenda of the National Convention ...... 23 Distinguished Guests ...... 26 Convention Commission and Corporation ...... 29 SAL Annual Report ...... 30 Honor Roll ...... 32 Distinguished Service Medal Recipients ...... 33 Annual Reports ...... 35 National Adjutant’s Report ...... 36 National Offi cers ...... 37 National Executive Committee ...... 38 Youth Champions ...... 39 Military Academy Awards ...... 40 Commission and Committee Reports ...... 41 Financial Reports ...... 56 Thank You ...... 72

8 40

American Sons of La Boutique Des Legion The American Huit Chapeaux Auxiliary Legion Et Quarante 89th National 38th National Femmes Convention Convention 88th Marche Nationale Louisville City Hall

91st National Convention 1

Page 01 Welcome Letter From The President of the United States

2 The American Legion

Page 02 Greetings from Louisville

From the Governor

As governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I welcome you to the 2009 American Legion National Convention in Louisville. The Commonwealth is pleased to host you, and we hope you have the opportunity to explore the many attractions and activities of the River City. Featuring the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Frazier Arms Museum, 4th Street Live and the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs, Louisville has many exciting places to visit. There are also numerous wonderful restaurants and entertainment options that range from sports to theatre. I hope you have a productive convention, and enjoy your stay in Kentucky.

Steven L. Beshear Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky

From the Mayor

As mayor of Louisville, I am pleased to welcome the 91st National Convention of The American Legion. Louisville is a vibrant, exciting city – now the 16th largest city in America. We hope while you are here you will have an opportunity – beyond the many professional events planned for you – to visit our restaurants, museums, galleries and tourist attractions such as Churchill Downs, the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the Louisville Science Center and the Frazier International History Museum. Near-downtown neighborhoods off er shopping for everything from art to antiques. And always, you’ll feel the friendliness and hospitality of our people. Whatever you do, I hope you will enjenjoyoy our great city and make plans to come back and visit again soon.

JerryJerry E. AbramsonAbramson MayorMayor ooff Louisville

From the Department Commander

On behalf of The American Legion family of Kentucky, I off er a warm, southern welcome to Legionnaires from through- out this great country of ours. It will be wonderful to see old friends and meet new ones. We invite you to enjoy some of the unique activities in Louisville and the surrounding areas. From 4th Street Live and the Louisville Slugger Museum to the many golf courses within a short drive, the recreational opportunities are endless. We hope you also get the chance to visit American Legion posts in the area while you are here. We are glad to have you back in Louisville, and our American Legion family members are looking forward to getting to know you. If I can help in any way to make your stay here more memorable, please ask, and that goes for any of us here on the Department of Kentucky staff . I think that you will fi nd we are friendly folk.

Ted Austin Commander, Department of Kentucky

91st National Convention 3

Page 03 National Commander David K. Rehbein Looking back on a memorable year

With actress Marg Helgenberger at the Salute to Heroes Veterans Inaugural Ball

PresentingPrese testimony at a hearing ofof ththe House and Senate Veterans Aff airsai committees Remembering the heroes of D-Day during a walk along Omaha Beach in northwestern France

4 The American Legion

Page 04 What a year this has been for America’s veterans, When the White House proposed billing private On other fronts, our work is second to none. To and for The American Legion. insurance companies for veterans’ service-con- assist veterans and our military in understanding From Phoenix to Washington, D.C., and from nected health care, I wrote an editorial for the Wall their education benefi ts, the Legion launched the the cemeteries in Europe and the Philippines to Street Journal opposing the plan. President Obama My GI Bill Web site. As always, our Boys State and the sands of Iraq, I have enjoyed the privilege of heard our objections, and in a March 18 meeting Legion Baseball programs develop quality and representing you, and speaking on your behalf, in with the Legion and other veterans groups, he an- character in the next generation of Americans. these interesting times. Every victory won has been nounced the plan would no longer be considered. Finally, we remain the premier voice for a constitu- ours together, as our organization continues to be a The Legion again came to veterans’ defense when a tionally protected fl ag, a strong national defense leader in veterans advocacy and troop support. report from the Department of Homeland Security and a fully funded VA. Last fall, The American Legion was fi rst in express- suggested that troops returning from war may I now hand off the job of national commander ing concern at the Department of Veterans Aff airs’ be susceptible to those recruiting for right-wing to my successor, grateful for the chance to have decision to outsource certain delivery aspects of extremism and domestic terror groups. We swiftly served you, our members, and confi dent that the the new GI Bill, and we were the fi rst to applaud protested, reminding DHS Secretary Janet Napoli- coming Legion year will be even more successful. the VA secretary when he decided the department tano that Americans are not the enemy; terrorists would retain control of it. are. We met, and she personally apologized.

Visiting U.S. troops in Iraq

Meeting with President Obama

Visiting the grave marker of Theodore Roosevelt Jr. at the Normandy American Cemetery

91st National Convention 5

Page 05 A Letter from the National President of the American Legion Auxiliary

As the American Legion Auxiliary’s 88th national president, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Tommie Cisna. In true family style, we have supported each other’s projects and strengthened our mutual mission to make a diff erence in the lives of veterans, servicemembers and their families. As an auxiliary, we focused on three fi nancial goals: • To remain a national co-sponsor of VA’s Veterans Creative Arts Festival by raising the $100,000 necessary to help conduct the event. • To continue our eff orts started in fi scal 2008 to endow the National President’s Scholar Fund. Desireé A. Stoy • To continue our support of the Auxiliary Emergency Fund. National President Relative to our mission was a special project to increase the number of volunteers and volunteer hours at VA medical centers across the country. This was a grassroots eff ort to engage our members in a call to action. Grants were made available to departmentsto assist them in recruiting and retaining VAVS volunteers. We kicked off another national initiative with the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) at the 2008 convention in Phoenix. In true collaborative spirit between Auxiliary volunteers and staff and CNCS, we together acquired a VISTA grant to help reduce poverty for U.S. veterans and military families. When the national commander of The American Legion asked for our assistance in raising dollars for our wounded warriors at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, we answered the call with dedication. These are but a few of our accomplishments this year, and it hardly seems possible that a year has gone by since I announced our theme of HOPE, or Honoring Our Promises Every Day. Auxiliary members across the United States have been united in honoring our promises to veterans, and America’s children and their communities. Even in these hard economic times, our members rose to the occasion, working long and hard to accomplish our goals. I look forward to celebrating our successes at this convention in Louisville and know that each of you has made an impact in your community. Congratulations for a year of good work, and thank you for everything you continue to do.

Sincerely,

Desireé Stoy National President American Legion Auxiliary Irvin Hiskey Unit 535, Bellville, Ohio

6 The American Legion

Page 06 A Letter from Le Chapeau National of La Boutique Des Huit Chapeaux Et Quarante Femmes

On behalf of all the partners of the 8 & 40, I would like to bring greetings to all the delegates and alternates assembled here in Louisville, Ky., for the 91st National Convention of The American Legion. We of the 8 & 40 are proud to be associated with such a fi ne organization. Our purpose has been to assist in the prevention and control of tuberculosis, cystic fi brosis and other respiratory diseases in children. We are proud supporters of National Jewish Health in Denver, the No. 1-rated hospital and research center for respiratory diseases. This past year, our “All Partners Project” was the art therapy program at National Jewish Health. We have been successful in raising money to provide scholarships for those wishing to enter the fi eld of respiratory therapy. This year we were able to provide nine such scholarships. Marcy Schmidt We continue the tradition of being the No. 1 per capita contributor to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. This year, Le Chapeau National we were able to provide a grant to the Asthma Foundation for brochures promoting physical recreation for those suff ering from asthma. The partners have found many unique ways to support our programs in their own communities. Many volunteer hours are spent at local clinics, hospitals and camps. To be eligible for partnership, you must have been an active American Legion Auxiliary member for at least three years. Our partners continue to support their units, district and departments in many ways. We have been “Tied Together in Service for Children,” and we are looking forward to many more years of service.

8 Marcy Schmidt 40 Le Chapeau National

91st National Convention 7

Page 07 LouisvilleWelcome to

Convention City awaits your arrival! Louisville Slugger Museum That’s right – Louisville is known as Convention City. It’s also known as the City of Homes, the Nation’s Thoroughfare, the City of Beautiful Churches, Gateway of the South, City by the Falls and Metropolis of the New South. Or simply, “The Ville.” Whatever nickname you care to use, don’t miss out on Louisville’s many fi ne attractions while attending The American Legion’s 91st National Convention, Aug. 21-27. From great steamboat rides on the Belle of Louisville to the great nightlife at Fourth Street Live!, conventioneers have dozens of entertainment choices: roller coasters and other thrills at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom, Churchill Downs, fabulous sports history at the Louisville Slugger Museum (with its 60,000-pound bat!), or quiet strolls around the lovely fountain at JG Plaza. Other attractions in the Metropolis of the New South include the Louisville Science Center’s hands-on exhibits, IMAX fi lms and educational programs. The Frazier International History Museum also off ers a side trip from convention activities, with a collection of weapons and armor spanning a thousand years of warfare. The Louisville Zoo is a fun place to visit, and so is Waterfront Park, with its walking paths along the city’s waterfront and downtown areas. Don’t miss the boat in Louisville! Join your fellow Legionnaires in enjoying all the sights and sounds the Nation’s Thoroughfare has to off er.

Louisville at sunset

8 TheThT e AmericanAmAmere iccan LLegionegioon

Page 08 Frazier International History Museum Thunder Run roller coaster at Kentucky Kingdom

JG Plaza

Fourth Street Live!

The Belle of Louisville 91st911st NNationalattional CoCConventionnventit onn 9

Page 09 Convention Center Floor Plan

Kentucky International Convention Center

KEY Exhibit halls Ballroom Meeting rooms N

PRESENTATION AND AUTOGRAPH SESSION WITH REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION ERIC L. HANEY, COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR RET. The registration and information desk for Exhibit Hall will be open from Friday, the 91st National Convention of The Aug. 21, to Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Hall 2C, For more than 20 years, Haney served in the Army’s most demanding combat American Legion will be open from Level 2, of the Kentucky International units – as a combat infantryman, a Ranger, and an early operational member Thursday, Aug. 20, to Wednesday, Aug. 26, Convention Center. of Delta Force. Join him to learn more about his Army experiences, and his in the lobby of the Kentucky International Friday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. involvement in helping veterans take control of their health and raising Convention Center. awareness of prostate-cancer treatments. Saturday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Thursday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 Friday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Kentucky International Convention Center, Sunday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Rooms 218 & 219 Monday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tuesday 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Wednesday 8 a.m. –10 a.m.

10 The American Legion

Page 10 9th St Hotel Directory

7thth St Louisville Hotel Locations 6thth StSt

t

StS

n Kentuckyin International ConventionMainMaiM St Center 3 13 3rd St 4 64 2nd St 1 2

9 5 Woemer Ave 65 12 8 10 31 65 6 7 Preston St Broadway Spring St

Chestnut St Liberty St 14 Jackson St 10th St 11 W Ct Ave

WitherspoonSt

Muhammad Ali Blvd

Market St 65 Market St 10th St Jefferson St

Spring St Shelby St

Logan St Shelby St

Campbell St N

1 Galt House Hotel & Suites 7 Fairfi eld Inn by Marriott 140 N. 4th Ave. • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 589-5200 619 North Shore Drive • Jeff ersonville, IN 47130 • (812) 280-8220 American Alaska Hawaii New Mexico Louisiana Legion National Arizona Idaho Ohio Headquarters District of Indiana Philippines Auxiliary Columbia Iowa Puerto Rico 8 Springhill Suites SAL National Florida Mexico Virginia 132 E. Jeff erson St. • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 569-7373 Headquarters France Mississippi Washington Maryland Texas 8 et 40 Georgia Montana Wyoming 9 Fairfi eld Inn Suites 2 Holiday Inn Lakeview 100 E. Jeff erson St. • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 569-3553 505 Marriott Drive • Clarksville, IN 47129 • (812) 283-4411 Maryland Texas Alabama California Oklahoma Rhode Island Arkansas Colorado Oregon Tennessee 10 Hampton Inn Downtown 101 E. Jeff erson St. • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 585-2200 3 Camberly Brown Hotel Michigan 335 W. Broadway • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 583-1234 American Connecticut 11 Towne Place Suites Legion National Massachusetts 703 North Shore Drive • Jeff ersonville, IN 47130 • (812) 280-8200 Headquarters South Carolina Missouri Hyatt Regency Louisville 4 12 Courtyard by Marriott Downtown 320 W. Jeff erson St. • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 581-1234 100 S. Second St. • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 562-0200 Delaware Maine North Dakota New Jersey Kansas Nebraska South Dakota Kentucky Nevada Vermont 13 Seelbach Hilton Hotel 500 S. 4th Ave. • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 585-3200 5 Marriott Louisville Downtown 280 W. Jeff erson St. • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 627-5045 American New York Legion National Illinois Minnesota Pennsylvania Wisconsin Headquarters

66 Sheraton Louisville Riverside 14 Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown 700 W. Riverside St. • Jeff ersonville, IN 47130 • (812) 284-6711 333 E. Market St. • Louisville, KY 40202 • (502) 589-8998 New Hampshire Utah West Virginia North Carolina 91st National Convention 11

Page 11 Congratulations 91ston your 91st National Convention National Offi cial Program David K. Rehbein Convention National Commander Michael E. Walton Chairman, National Convention Commission

Kentucky 2009 National Convention Corp. Silas Noel Keystone Uniform Cap President Div. M. H. Grossman Randall Coff man Manufacturers of Quality Uniform Headwear Vice President 801 N. Front Street Randall Fisher Philadelphia, PA 19123 Treasurer Robert Stewart Secretary Ted Austin Badges & Packets Doug Sweeney Parade Ken Hart Patriotic Memorial Service Lenn Arts, Inc. Mike Phelps Manufacturing Jewelers Information David King Distinguished Guests William Moore Board of Directors William Taylor Board of Directors James Terrell Board of Directors

National Convention & Meetings Division Richard Holmes Director Bridget A. Williams Congratulates Deputy Director

The American Legion Produced by The American Legion Magazine On 91 Years Dennis J. Henkemeyer Of Service Chairman

The American Legion

Page 12 For God and Country we Programs associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the & Agendas Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Louisville at dusk

91st National Convention 13

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Page 14 Patriotic Memorial Service

“God Bless America” The Master’s Men Choir God bless America, Land that I love, Kentucky International Stand beside her and guide her Convention Center Thru the night with a light from above. Hall 2D, Level 2 From the mountains to 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 the prairies To the oceans white with foam, God bless America My home, sweet home. God bless America, My home, sweet home.

Prelude Reading of the Holy Scriptures For the Eight & Forty: Silent Moment of Meditation * Mary Helen Vaughn Psalms 16:7-11 Marcy Schmidt Louisville, Ky. I Corinthians 13:12 Le Chapeau National “Taps” * The Rev. Ronald Moore Minnesota Welcome France Margaret Sheridan Music James Huber La Secretaire-Cassiere Nationale “God Bless the USA” Department Chaplain Memorial Prayer Idaho The American Legion Cherita Potter Benediction * Kentucky National Chaplain For those in uniform who lost their Lois Hall American Legion Auxiliary lives serving America during the Department Chaplain Posting of the Colors * Oregon past year: American Legion Auxiliary American Legion Post 49 Color Guard The Rev. Larry L. Vollink Kentucky Tilton, N.H. Presentation of Memorial Wreaths National Chaplain The American Legion Retirement of the Colors * Music For The American Legion: Michigan “The Pledge of Allegiance” David K. Rehbein Cherita Potter Postlude Master’s Men National Commander National Chaplain Mary Helen Vaughn Southeast Christian Church Iowa American Legion Auxiliary Louisville, Ky. Louisville, Ky. Daniel S. Wheeler Oregon National Adjutant * Audience stands Invocation and Virginia Lighting of the Candle Pledge of Allegiance * of Remembrance For the American Legion Auxiliary: Louis R. Baldessari II National Chaplain Desireé Stoy Message Sons of The American Legion National President “Faith, Hope and Love” Colorado Ohio The Rev. Larry L. Vollink Mary “Dubbie” Buckler National Chaplain Music National Secretary The American Legion Michigan “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” Indiana “Because of the Brave” Master’s Men For Sons of The American Legion: Music Southeast Christian Church Thomas E. “Tommie” Cisna “God of Our Fathers” Louisville, Ky. National Commander “Battle Hymn of the Republic” Illinois Master’s Men Brian J. O’Hearne Southeast Christian Church National Adjutant Louisville, Ky. Massachusetts

91st National Convention 15

Page 15 91st American Legion National Convention Parade

Color Guard & Band Contests

Saturday, Aug. 22 Color Guard Contest 8 a.m. Kentucky International Convention Center, Hall 2D, Level 2 Grand Marshal Honorary Grand Marshal Band Contest Maj. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr. Marty Conatser 1 p.m. Commanding General, U.S. Army Past National Commander Kentucky International Convention Center, Recruiting Command, Fort Knox, Ky. Illinois Cascade Ballroom C, Level 1

65

Parade Route

64 64

Parade End Reviewing Stand Witherspoon St Witherspoon St Main St Parade Start Assembly Washington St area

8th St

Market St 7th7 St

6th St

Dispersal 5th St

4th St area Market St Main St Congress Alley 3rd St

2nd St

1st St

Brook St

Market St Floyd St

Preston St

Jackson St Jefferson St Produce Plaza Market St

Liberty St Jefferson St

9th St

Liberty St 7th St

6th St

5th St

4th St

3rd St

Armory St

2nd St

Muhammad Ali Blvd The AmericanLibertyLib Legion St 16 65 bertrtr ySy St

9th St

Page 16 91st American Legion National Convention Parade Rules

5. Absolutely no maneuvers except 5. FIRST AID STATIONS for a forward movement. Marching 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 First-aid stations (mobile) and water and mounted units, bands, color stations will be located throughout the Formation area: On streets adjacent to Slugger Field to include guards and drill teams must abide parade route and in the disbanding Washington, North Floyd and Main. Exact formation areas will be by this regulation. announced during the Aug. 22 parade meeting. area. Additionally, ambulances will be D. Distances available to assist parade marchers and Route: Beginning at the intersection of South Brook and Main streets, the spectators. 1. Between divisions – 30 yards parade proceeds west on Main. 2. Between departments – 20 yards 6. PARKING OF CHARTERED OR POST Disbanding area: Between 7th and 8th streets, ending at Louisville BUSES Slugger Museum. All vehicles will disband on 6th Street, proceeding south 3. Between elements of a depart- to a designated post-parade party parking lot or to exit downtown. ment – 10 yards Bus parking will be addressed at the parade meeting on Saturday, Aug. 22. Reviewing Stand: At 501 W. Main St., in front of the Kentucky Center for 3. OFFICIAL REVIEWING STAND Buses will load their personnel at the the Arts. The reviewing stand will be between 5th and 6th streets. A. The offi cial reviewing stand will be assigned area within the disbanding located on the north side of Main Street area. Parade offi cials will direct partici- The offi cial parade of the 91st National 2. ORGANIZATION in front of the Kentucky Center for the pants to their buses. Convention of The American Legion will Arts. A. All elements have been assigned to PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND ALL be governed by instructions contained divisions, each under the direction of B. Elements will render a salute to the EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE REMOVED herein together with the Organization the parade offi cials. The composition national commander while passing the FROM THE BUSES WHEN UNLOADING and March Timetable. of these divisions, order of march, time reviewing stand (eyes right). AT THE ASSEMBLY AREA. 1. TIME: and place of assembly, and parade map 4. ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE have been supplied to each department IN THE PARADE AND CONDUCT OF (All times in these orders are Eastern parade chairman. Standard Time.) PARTICIPANTS B. All Department of Defense units A. Pursuant to a resolution adopted at A. The leading element of the parade will be governed by applicable will move from the “initial point” a meeting of the National Convention regulations, but summer uniforms are Commission at Miami Beach on March promptly at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, recommended. regardless of weather (the exception 12, 1970, there will be no participation being an electrical storm). C. Each department commander or of any vehicles, equipment or items appointed parade representative will of wearing apparel of the 40 et 8. The B. The time and place of assembly for be responsible for the order of march 2009 Convention Corp. Parade Commit- each department or element of the and promptness of arrival at the assem- tee will enforce this regulation. parade will be shown in detail on the bly area of all units of his department. Organization and March Timetable, B. With exception of police, fi remen, SPIRITS TASTING All units will conform to the following military and naval escort, and distin- a copy of which will be given to each distribution and formation: department parade chairman. A guished guests, eligibility to participate 1. All American fl ags, the depart- in the parade is limited to the members EVENT meeting of all department parade chairmen will be conducted at 2 p.m. ment and post colors of each depart- of The American Legion and the COMPLIMENTARY Saturday, Aug. 22 in the Kentucky ment, and the department and unit uniform bodies of the American Legion Date: Sunday, Aug. 23 International Convention Center, Rooms colors of each department of the Auxiliary and Sons of The American 110 and 111, Level 1. Auxiliary will be massed at the head Legion, subject to restriction of the Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. following activities prohibited in the of each department delegation, in Two locations: C. A parade offi cial will direct depart- that order. line of march: ments and elements of the parade to Louisville Slugger Museum their assigned assembly areas. That 2. American Legion units within de- 1. The drinking of or simulated and the Frazier International offi cial will advise all bus drivers of the partments will march in formation drinking of intoxicants. History Museum route to follow to the disbanding area. eight (8) abreast, one and one-half 2. Participants under the infl uence Stop by either location and yards between ranks. D. Because of the nature of the as- of intoxicants. join us for a complimentary sembly areas, accurate logistics are 3. Bands and Drum Corps: As spirits tasting featuring Jim 3. Use of water pistols and electric Beam, Canadian Club and essential. Promptness in arrival at the directed by drum majors, but not to shocking devices. assembly areas is highly recommended. exceed eight (8) abreast. more. You won’t want to miss 4. Female/male impersonators, or a sample of the new Red Stag 4. Authorized fl oats and automo- any presentation either immoral or by Jim Beam. biles in single column. No unauthor- in bad taste. ized fl oats or automobiles will be allowed to participate. All vehicles 5. Firecrackers and any other must be equipped with identifying explosives. signs on sides thereof and must also C. Violators of any of the above rules carry an “Offi cial Car” sticker on their will be dismissed from the parade windshields. immediately.

91st National Convention 17

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Page 18 Standing Rules of the National Convention

As contained in the “Uniform Code of Procedure for the Organization of National Conventions of The American Legion,” the following standing rules are authorized under Article V, Section 6, of the National Constitution of The American Legion:

1. “Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly 8. When the poll of any Department 18. Nominations for National Offi cers 24. Those recognized by the National Revised” shall be the authority on Delegation is demanded by a shall be from the fl oor on Roll Call Commander shall be entitled to a parliamentary procedure, with the delegate of such Department, the of the Departments alphabetically respectful hearing, and the Chair following modifi cations: Convention Secretary shall poll arranged. Each Department may shall have the authority to clear 2. A delegate desiring to make a the vote without discussion of the present as many candidates as it the gallery or the fl oor or have motion or address the Convention question being voted upon. chooses. the Sergeant-at-Arms escort from shall rise, address the Chair as “Mr. 9. On the Roll Calls, the delegation 19. Nomination speeches for National the Convention anyone creating Commander” and state his name Chairman shall poll his delegation Offi cers shall be limited to fi ve a disturbance or interfering with and the name of the Department on the fl oor and announce its vote. minutes each. Not more than orderly procedure. 25. before proceeding. 10. In the event a delegation secretary two seconding speeches shall be None of the above rules shall 3. Debate shall be limited to fi ve is not an accredited delegate or made for any candidate, and said be construed as preventing an minutes for each speaker. alternate, he shall be seated with speeches shall be limited to three alternate delegate from serving on minutes. a Convention committee. 4. his delegation. Debate on any one subject 20. 26. presented to the Convention shall 11. Past National Commanders’ votes When more than two candidates The consent of two-thirds of the be limited to two hours, except shall be cast with their delegations. are nominated for any offi ce, voting strength of the Convention balloting shall continue until one is necessary for suspension of the under such special rule as the 12. Only accredited delegates or their candidate receives a majority of standing rules of the Convention. Convention shall adopt prior to alternates shall participate, directly debate. the votes of the Convention, except 27. Any amendment to any resolution or indirectly, in a viva voce vote on in the election of National Vice 5. But two delegates from any one any subject before the Convention. or report originating on the fl oor Commanders. shall be presented in writing and delegation shall be permitted the 13. Department delegations may 21. In a contested election for National transmitted to the Presiding Offi cer fl oor on any one question. Where arrive at a vote in such manner as disagreement exists within a Vice Commanders, balloting shall at the time of the introduction of they choose, but shall announce continue until (a) majorities and such amendment. delegation, one delegate shall be it in terms of full units and not permitted to speak on each side (b) pluralities are established for 28. Special rules applying to specifi c in terms of a fractional part of one or more candidates under of the question. Upon a division a vote. The vote of any delegate issues or order of business shall of the question, however, this rule the following provisions: If, on be written and presented to the absent and not represented by any ballot taken, less than fi ve shall be applied separately for each an alternate shall be cast by the Convention by the Legislation and division. candidates receive the necessary Rules Committee for adoption by majority of the delegates present majority to elect, the candidate 6. The fl oor shall be permitted from his Department. majority vote at least one hour or candidates receiving a majority before such issue or order is to but once to any individual 14. There shall be no unit rule of vote shall be declared elected be considered, unless such rule is delegate on any one question, voting. and a new ballot shall be taken except by a two-thirds vote of agreed to by unanimous consent of 15. Voting shall be by acclamation, for the remaining number of the fi nal session. Special rules shall the Convention. Chairmen of places to be fi lled. The candidate Convention Committees may except when a Roll Call is demanded prevail only when the Convention by the Chairmen of at least three receiving the lowest number of adopts them. Any delegate may speak as frequently as may be votes on the preceding ballot necessary, in connection with Departments. Election of National apply for a special rule to the Offi cers shall be by roll call. shall be disqualifi ed; should two Legislation and Rules Committee the reports of their committees. candidates remain to fi ll one place, The Presiding Offi cer shall not 16. In the event a Department has not or may appeal to the Convention a new ballot shall be taken. for such special rule provided the entertain any motion which will provided the method by which 22. curtail further debate without alternates shall be designated The Convention will nominate and rule be presented in writing, be t a National Commander, and aff ording the Committee Chairman to serve in the place of absent elec read once from the platform, and fi ve National Vice Commanders, in an opportunity for rebuttal. delegates, the Chairman of the shall lay upon the table at least this sequence. one hour before the vote thereon 7. delegation shall make such Decisions on Rules of Debate 23. is taken. or parliamentary order by the designation. At the conclusion of balloting on National Vice Commanders, Presiding Offi cer may be subject to 17. Prior to the election of National each Department Delegation appeal by any two delegates under Offi cers, the National Commander a Point of Order. Such appeal shall shall appoint, subject to approval Chairman shall deliver a written take precedence over any pending of the Convention, a Judge of ballot to the tellers. Such ballots questions and shall be decided Election and such number of tellers shall be in the hands of the tellers forthwith. An appeal from the as he deems necessary, provided before communication is made decision of the Chair shall be put that the total tellers so appointed to the National Commander for to the Convention on the question: shall be an odd number. In a announcement of the results. “Shall the Chair be sustained?” contested election each candidate going to the ballot shall be entitled to one teller of his choice.

91st National Convention 19

Page 19 Standing Commissions and Committees Meetings

Aerospace Children & Youth All meetings will be conducted at the Kentucky International 1:30 p.m. 9 a.m. Convention Center or the Galt House East Tower. Kentucky International Kentucky International Convention Center, Room 213, Convention Center, Rooms L9 Level 2 & L10, Level L THURSDAY-SUNDAY, Economic Homeland Security & Civil Constitutional AUG. 20-23 8:30 a.m. Kentucky International Convention Preparedness Amendments Resolutions Assignment Center, Room L6, Level L 1:30 p.m. 9 a.m. Committee Kentucky International Convention Kentucky International 9 a.m. Emblem Sales Center, Room 214, Level 2 Convention Center, Room 116, 9:30 a.m. Galt House, Laff oon Room, Law and Order Level 1 1st Floor Galt House, Brown Room, 2nd Floor 1:30 p.m. Credentials and Internal Kentucky International Aff airs FRIDAY, AUG. 21 (Note: Emblem will also meet at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 23 in the same Convention Center, Room 216, Credentials and Other Americanism Screening location.) Level 2 Internal Matters Committee Finance Merchant Marine (Sections I & II) 9 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 9 a.m. Galt House, Nunn Room, Galt House, Clements Room, Kentucky International Kentucky International 2nd Floor 2nd Floor Convention Center, Room 217, Convention Center, Room 106, Level 2 Level 1 Economic Screening Foreign Relations Committee National Security Military Aff airs Membership (Section III) 9 a.m. 9 a.m. 1:30 p.m. 9 a.m. Galt House, Brown Room, Kentucky International Kentucky International Kentucky International 2nd Floor Convention Center, Rooms 210 Convention Center, Room 206, Convention Center, Room 107, Veterans Aff airs & & 211, Level 2 Level 2 Level 1 Rehabilitation Screening Foreign Relations Naval Aff airs Economic – Employment, Committee 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Veterans Preference and 9 a.m. Kentucky International Kentucky International Other Economic Matters Galt House, Breathitt Room, Convention Center, Rooms 207 Convention Center, Room 215, 9 a.m. 2nd Floor & 208, Level 2 Level 2 Kentucky International Foreign Relations General Security Ad Hoc Convention Center, Rooms 102 & SATURDAY, AUG. 22 103, Level 1 Subcommittees (immediately 1:30 p.m. Kentucky International American Legion Insurance following joint session) Finance 8:30 a.m. Convention Center, Room 212, 9 a.m. Internal Aff airs Galt House, Wilson Room, Level 2 Kentucky International 8:30 a.m. 3rd Floor Public Relations Convention Center, Room L11, Kentucky International 9 a.m. Level L Americanism Convention Center, Room 202, Kentucky International Children & Youth Level 2 Foreign Relations 8:30 a.m. Convention Center, Room L8, Joint Meeting Membership & Post Galt House, Grand Ballroom C, Level L 8:30 a.m. Activities 2nd Floor The American Legion Kentucky International 10:30 a.m. Magazine Convention Center, Room 209, Children & Youth Kentucky International 9 a.m. Level 2 Commission Convention Center, Room 107, Kentucky International 10 a.m. Level 1 Foreign Relations Galt House, Jones Room, Convention Center, Rooms 102 Subcommittees (immediately 3rd Floor Legislative & 103, Level 1 9 a.m. following joint session) Veterans Aff airs & Constitution & By-Laws Kentucky International Legislation and Rules Rehabilitation 8:30 a.m. Convention Center, Room 114, 10 a.m. 9 a.m. Kentucky International Level 1 Kentucky International Kentucky International Convention Center, Room 116, Convention Center, Room 110, National Security Convention Center, Room 209, Level 1 Level 1 Foreign Relations Level 2 Convention 9 a.m. National Security Joint 8 a.m. Kentucky International SUNDAY, AUG. 23 Meetings – Aerospace, Galt House, Brown Room, Convention Center, Rooms 210 Homeland Security and 2nd Floor & 211, Level 2 Americanism/Americanism Civil Preparedness, Law Subcommittees Distinguished Guests National Security and Order, Merchant 9 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Committees (immediately Marine, Military Aff airs, Galt House, Stanley Room, Galt House, Clements Room, Naval Aff airs following commission session) 3rd Floor 2nd Floor 9 a.m.

20 The American Legion

Page 20 Standing Commissions and Committees Meetings

Kentucky International Merchant Marine Veterans Aff airs & National Convention Convention Center, Rooms 210 Kentucky International Rehabilitation – Joint Sergeant-at-Arms Meeting & 211, Level 2 Convention Center, Room 217, Meeting With Claims & 8:30 a.m. National Security Level 2 Ratings and Hospitals & Kentucky International Committees Military Aff airs Medical Services Convention Center, Rooms 110 9:15 a.m. (immediately Kentucky International 9 a.m. &111, Level 1 following joint meeting) Convention Center, Room 206, Kentucky International Convention Pre-National Executive Level 2 Center, Room 112, Level 1 Committee Meeting Aerospace (Hospital & Medical Services Naval Aff airs 9 a.m. Kentucky International will proceed to separate session Kentucky International Kentucky International Convention Center, Room 213, in Room 111, Level 1, and Convention Center, Room 215, Convention Center, Rooms 207 Level 2 subsequently return to the joint Level 2 & 208, Level 2 Homeland Security & Civil session following subcommittee Preparedness General Security Ad Hoc actions on resolutions) THURSDAY, AUG. 27 Kentucky International Kentucky International Convention Center, Room 214, Convention Center, Room 212, MONDAY, AUG. 24 Post-National Executive Level 2 Level 2 Committee Meeting Military Funeral Honors and Kentucky International Law and Order General Security Meeting POW/MIA Update Convention Center, Rooms 207 Kentucky International (all committees) 9 a.m. & 208, Level 2 Convention Center, Room 216, Kentucky International Kentucky International (immediately following Level 2 Convention Center, Rooms 210 Convention Center, Rooms 210 adjournment of convention) & 211, Level 2 & 211, Level 2

Other Meetings and Events FRIDAY, AUG. 21 Heroes to Hometowns Transition National American Legion College & Benefi t Fair Alumni Association (NALCAA) Contest Representatives Meeting 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Galt House, Exhibit Hall, 2nd Floor, Kentucky International Convention Galt House, Wilkinson Room, 1st Floor, East Tower Center, Room 201, Level 2 East Tower NALPA Annual Meeting SATURDAY, AUG. 22 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. SUNDAY, AUG. 23 Galt House, Nunn Room, 2nd Floor, Patriotic Memorial Service American Legion Riders Meeting East Tower 10 a.m. – Noon 11 a.m. Kentucky International Convention Parade Meeting Kentucky International Convention Center, Rooms 207 & 208, Level 2 2 p.m. Center, Hall 2D, Level 2 Kentucky International Convention National Convention Parade Center, Rooms 110 & 111, Level 1 4 p.m.

2009 Reunions, Receptions and Meals

FRIDAY, AUG. 21 Chaplains Breakfast Past Department Commanders WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Club Luncheon Ye Steivos Reception Southern Caucus Breakfast Galt House, Grand Ballroom C, 2nd Floor, Noon – 2 p.m. 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. 7 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. East Tower Galt House, Grand Ballroom A, 2nd Floor, Galt House, Grand Ballroom C, 2nd Floor, Kentucky International Convention East Tower East Tower National American Legion College Center, Hall 1B, Level 1 Alumni Association (NALCAA) SATURDAY, AUG. 22 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. TUESDAY, AUG. 25 American Legion Post 193 National Commander’s Banquet Historians Luncheon 2800 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40212 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Kentucky International Convention Galt House, Morrow Room, 2nd Floor, MONDAY, AUG. 24 Center, Halls 1A & 1B, Level 1 East Tower NALPA Luncheon SUNDAY, AUG. 23 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Galt House, Nunn Room, 2nd Floor, ANAVICUS Breakfast East Tower 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. Galt House, Grand Ballrooms A&B, 2nd Floor, East Tower 91st National Convention 21

Page 21 Entertainment

Darryl Worley

Country music star Darryl Worley will perform at the National Commander’s Banquet at the Kentucky International Convention Center on Aug. 25. Best known for his hit patriotic anthem “Have You Forgotten,” about the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Worley has been part of the national music scene for nearly a decade. In 2002, he traveled to Afghanistan with the USO to entertain U.S. troops; the trip inspired Worley to write “Have You Forgotten,” which was nominated by the Country Music Association for Single of the Year and Song of the Year in 2003. The lyrics defended America’s response to 9/11 and put Worley atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs for seven weeks: I hear people sayin’ we don’t need this war / I say there’s some things worth fi ghtin’ for / What about our of thousands of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research DISCOGRAPHY Hospital, the newly built Darryl Worley Cancer freedom, and this piece of ground? / We didn’t get to Sounds Like Life, Stroudavarious (2009) keep ’em by backin’ down Treatment Center in Hardin County and other charities. Here and Now, 903 (2006) Worley continues to perform for the U.S. military In May, Worley told The American Legion Magazine, “I stateside and overseas, while expanding his fan base absolutely adore the men and women who lay their Darryl Worley, DreamWorks Nashville (2004) with popular songs such as “I Just Came Back (From a lives on the line, who leave their families behind to Have You Forgotten?, DreamWorks Nashville (2003) War),” “If Something Should Happen,” “Nothin’ But a go overseas .... To have an opportunity to give a little I Miss My Friend, DreamWorks Nashville (2002) Love Thang” and the No. 1 hit “Awful Beautiful Life.” something back has been an honor and a privilege.” Hard Rain Don’t Last, DreamWorks Nashville (2000) Back home, Worley is known for more than his music. Worley is performing at the National Commander’s His annual Tennessee River Run event raises hundreds Banquet courtesy of Nancy Hays Entertainment, Inc.

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1 The American Legion

Page 22 Agenda of the 91st National Convention of The American Legion

Armed Forces Community 2009 Eagle Scout of the Year Kentucky International Convention Center Covenant Signing Brad Jencks, South Jordan, Utah Hall 2D, Level 2 David K. Rehbein 2009 National Oratorical National Commander Contest Champion Louisville, Kentucky Iowa Andrew Dykstal, Lafayette, Ind. August 25-27, 2009 Adm. Michael Mullen, U.S. Navy 2008 American Legion Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Baseball Player of the Year Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz Patrick S. Singletary TUESDAY, AUG. 25 POW/MIA Empty Chair Ceremony Chief, U.S. Army Reserve Hendersonville, N.C. Michael D. Helm 8 a.m. Chairman, National Foreign 9:15 a.m. 10:20 a.m. Prelude Relations Commission Address Presentation of the Nebraska The American Legion 8:30 a.m. Adm. Michael Mullen, U.S. Navy Doc Simon Distinguished Service Medal Call to Order Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman, National Foreign By David K. Rehbein 9:45 a.m. David K. Rehbein Relations Commission National Commander National Commander Vermont Presentation of Spirit of Service Iowa Iowa Preamble to The American Legion Awards To Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commander Advancement of Colors Constitution David K. Rehbein U.S. Central Command American Legion Post No. 49 David K. Rehbein National Commander 10:45 a.m. Color Guard National Commander Iowa Address Tilton, N.H. Iowa Adm. Michael Mullen, U.S. Navy National Anthem Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff The Hon. Eric K. Shinseki 8:45 a.m. Secretary Katie Stam Opening 10 a.m. Department of Veterans Aff airs Miss America 2009 Musical Selection The American Legion 11:05 a.m. Invocation Youth Champions Michael Peterson Introduction Lawrence L. Vollink 2009 Boys Nation President National Chaplain Remarks Desireé Stoy 2009 Junior Shooting Sports Michigan Katie Stam National President Precision Champion American Legion Auxiliary Pledge of Allegiance Miss America 2009 2009 Junior Shooting Sports Ohio Sporter Champion

91st National Convention 23

Page 23 Agenda of the 91st National Convention of The American Legion

11:15 a.m. 1:10 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26 10:55 a.m. Special Presentation Special Presentation 8 a.m. Address The American Legion Patriot Sloan D. Gibson To David K. Rehbein Prelude Award National Commander President, USO 8:30 a.m. By David K. Rehbein Iowa 11:05 a.m. Call to Order National Commander By The American Legion Riders Address Iowa David K. Rehbein 1:40 p.m. Dr. James Jay Carafano National Commander To Lt. Col. Michael Strobl (Ret.) Senior Research Fellow, Defense and U.S. Marine Corps National Commander’s Iowa Report to Convention Homeland Security 11:35 a.m. Salute to Colors The Heritage Foundation David K. Rehbein Address National Commander Invocation 11:20 a.m. The Hon. Hilda L. Solis Iowa Lawrence L. Vollink Report of Credentials & Internal National Chaplain Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor 2 p.m. Aff airs – Membership Michigan 11:55 a.m. Certifi cate of Appreciation 11:25 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance Introduction of Sons of By David K. Rehbein Department Membership Awards 8:35 a.m. The American Legion National Commander Noon Iowa Address Newly Elected National Presentation – National Recruiter Commander To Lawrence A. Vollink The Hon. Bob Filner Chairman, Committee on Veterans of the Year Noon National Chaplain Michigan Aff airs, U.S. House of Representatives By David K. Rehbein Welcome 8:55 a.m. National Commander 2:05 p.m. Iowa The Hon. John Yarmuth Address U.S. House of Representatives Presentation of Plaque to To R.V. Martin the City of Phoenix for the The Hon. Tim Walz The Hon. Jerry Abramson The American Legion of Mississippi 2008 National Convention U.S. House of Representatives Mayor, City of Louisville 12:05 p.m. By Marty Conatser 9:15 a.m. Teddy W. Austin Past National Commander Report of Economics 2008-2009 Department Commander Address Illinois Employment and Veterans The American Legion of Kentucky Karen Gordon Mills, Administrator To Neal S. Sundeen Preference Silas Noel U.S. Small Business Administration President, The American Legion Other Economic Matters President, The American Legion National Convention Corp. of Arizona 9:35 a.m. National Convention Corp. of Kentucky 12:20 p.m. 2:10 p.m. Address 12:30 p.m. Presentation – Employer of the Call for Convention Judge Edward F. Butler Greetings Year Awards for Hiring Veterans Daniel S. Wheeler President General, National Society of Gordon Marsh, Dominion President By David K. Rehbein National Adjutant the Sons of the American Revolution y, Navy and Air Force Veterans in National Commander Arm Virginia 9:50 a.m. Canada (ANAVIC) Iowa 2:20 p.m. Address Peter Cleminson, National Chairman To Michael Mizell The Royal British Legion Report of Credentials & Internal Maj. Gen. Craig B. Whelden (Ret.) Millennium Security Services, Inc. Aff airs – Section 1 Secretary of the Army’s Representative Roswell, Ga. Col. Lee, Byung Hee (Ret.) for Community Covenant Chairman, American and Canadian 2:40 p.m. To John R. Soper Jr. Departments, Korean Veterans 10:05 a.m. President, Industrial Maintenance Report of Legislation and Rules Services, Inc. Association Address 2:50 p.m. Escanaba, Mich. Gen. Kao, Hua-chu (Ret.) Alan Sears To Marian Hyder Minister, Veterans Aff airs Commission Report of Finance President and CEO, Alliance Defense Fund Republic of China Vice President, Staffi ng Kelly J. Shackelford, Esq. RECESS Robert Rudisin Thomas Irvine, Dominion Chairman Chief Counsel, Liberty Legal Institute The Royal Canadian Legion Vice President, Human Resources Note: Times of subsequent sessions 10:35 a.m. 12:55 p.m. and times of convention committee Kenneth L. Reese Address Staffi ng Manager, URS, EG&G Division Address reports are subject to change by the chairman. Laurie Ott Germantown, Md. Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project Chief, U.S. Army Reserve

24 The American Legion

Page 24 Agenda of the 91st National Convention of The American Legion

Presentation – American Legion By David K. Rehbein Harley W. Ray To Blake Morrison and Brad Heath, Local Veterans Employment National Commander National Vice Commander Reporters, USA Today Representative of the Year Award Iowa Oregon 9:10 a.m. By Bron Mogenis By David K. Rehbein 1:05 p.m. Report of Foreign Relations National Commander Trustee, Chapel of Four Chaplains Presentation of William Randolph 9:35 a.m. Iowa Hearst Americanism Trophy Bob Baker Trustee, Chapel of Four Chaplains Report of National Security To Michael S. Dembowski By Robert J. Danzig Binghamton, N.Y. Hearst Corp. 1:45 p.m. Aerospace Presentation – Disabled Veterans To winning department Report of Veterans Aff airs Homeland Security and Civil Outreach Program of the Year & Rehabilitation Preparedness Award 1:10 p.m. Claims and Rating Law and Order By David K. Rehbein Presentation of the National National Commander Education Award Hospitals and Medical Services Merchant Marine Iowa By David K. Rehbein Announcement of Winning Military Aff airs To Steve Lord National Commander Department Naval Aff airs Meridian, Idaho Iowa William F. Lenker National 10 a.m. Presentation – Employer of the To Sesame Street Workshop Service Trophy Presentation of Plaque and Colors Disabled 1:15 p.m. By David K. Rehbein to Outgoing National Commander By David K. Rehbein National Commander Presentation of the 2009 By Daniel A. Ludwig National Commander Iowa National Law Enforcement Past National Commander (colors) Iowa Offi cer of the Year 2:05 p.m. By Robert W. Spanogle To John Antar, Contract Manager By David K. Rehbein Report of Credentials & Internal Past National Commander (plaque) Black Hills Service, Inc. National Commander Aff airs – Section 2 Box Elder, S.D. Iowa Noon (or at the conclusion of all other 2:20 p.m. business, whichever fi rst occurs) Presentation – Employment To Offi cer Christopher Biron Service Offi ce of the Year Manchester, N.H., Police Department Report of Constitutional Special Order of Business Amendments By David K. Rehbein 1:20 p.m. Election of National Offi cers Salute to Colors National Commander National Commander Iowa Report of Children & Youth Administering the Oath of Offi ce To Anna Brost-Gibson Presentation of Garland Murphy RECESS Award and Legacy Award to the National Commander WorkSource (Southside) Career Center Note: Times of subsequent sessions Jackson, Fla. By David K. Rehbein and times of convention committee Acceptance Speech By Newly Presentation – Homeless Veterans National Commander reports are subject to change by the Elected National Commander Outreach Award Iowa chairman. Election of National Vice By David K. Rehbein 1:35 p.m. Commanders National Commander Presentation – Chapel of Four THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 2009 Presentation of Colors to Newly Iowa Chaplains Legion of Honor 9 a.m. Elected National Commander To The American Legion of Idaho Bronze Medallion Call to Order Response By Newly Elected Accepting: Brandia Young, Homeless To David K. Rehbein David K. Rehbein National Commander Veterans Task Force National Commander National Commander Presentation of Newly Elected Iowa Presentation – Employer of Older Iowa National President of American Workers Award James W. Davis Salute to Colors Legion Auxiliary By David K. Rehbein National Vice Commander Invocation Unfi nished Business National Commander West Virginia Iowa Michael J. Landkamer Lawrence L. Vollink Benediction National Chaplain National Vice Commander Retirement of Colors To Brent Maule Michigan President, Maule Air, Inc. Nebraska Moultrie, Ga. James A. LaCoursiere Pledge of Allegiance Note: The National Executive Committee will meet within 24 hours 12:50 p.m. National Vice Commander 9:05 a.m. Connecticut after close of the convention. Report of Americanism Presentation – The American Dellano T. Simmons Legion Fourth Estate Award Frank N. Belgrano Jr. Trophy National Vice Commander By David K. Rehbein Ralph T. O’Neil Education Trophy Texas National Commander Iowa

91st National Convention 25

Page 25 Distinguished Guests of the 2009 Convention

Highlighted text indicates distinguished Roger Byron John A. Derner Mr. & Mrs. Milton G. Heifner guests who are scheduled to present at Litigation Attorney Department Adjutant Aide to the National Commander the national convention. Liberty Legal Institute The American Legion of Iowa Woodward, Iowa Plano, Texas Des Moines Hon. Jerry Abramson Ray Hendrix Mayor, City of Louisville Maj. Gen. Donald M. Campbell Jr. Bernardine Dial Advisory Committee to the Tom Aiello Commanding General Estancia, N.M. National Commander Sears Holding U.S. Army Recruiting Command The American Legion Fort Knox, Ky. Karen Dorian Statesboro, Ga. Wheaton, Ill. Raytown, Mo. Dr. James Jay Carafano Rick Hoglund Darrin W. Allen 1st Lt. Naomi I. Dorren Project Manager Senior Research Fellow District Commander Defense and Homeland Security U.S. Marine Corps Public Aff airs Offi cer, Columbus, Ga. Operation Military Kids Community Relations, Headquarters Alexandria, Va. The Heritage Foundation Washington Marine Corps Greg Hull Ed Anderson Washington Bulkley Dunton Publishing Group Superior Mobility Services (Atlas) Michelle Cartagena Dayton, Ohio Miami VA Medical Center Andrew Dykstal Lorain, Ohio 2009 National High School Oratorical Marian Hyder Richard D. Anderson Jill Chambers Contest Champion Vice President, Staffi ng Iowa Department Service Offi cer Nashville, Tenn. Lafayette, Ind. URS, EG&G Division Germantown, Md. Des Moines Thomas E. Cisna James Elliott John Antar National Commander President, James G. Elliott Co. Joseph P. Infranco, Esq. Contract Manager Sons of The American Legion Los Angeles Alliance Defense Fund Mattoon, Ill. Scottsdale, Ariz. Black Hills Service Inc. Dave Evans Box Elder, S.D. Peter Cleminson Offi ce of the Assistant Secretary of Thomas Irvine Teddy W. Austin National Chairman Defense, Public Aff airs Dominion Chairman Department Commander The Royal British Legion Washington The Royal Canadian Legion United Kingdom The American Legion of Kentucky Bruce C. Feuerbach Cinnamon C. Jawor Prospect, Ky. Capt. Jim Colgary, U.S. Navy (Ret.) Department Commander Director of Convention Services Christopher Biron Chief of Staff The American Legion of Iowa Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau 2009 National Law Enforcement Nuclear Energy Institute Atkins, Iowa Washington Brad Jencks Offi cer of the Year Hon. Bob Filner 2009 Eagle Scout of the Year Manchester, N.H. Marty Conatser Chairman, House Committee South Jordan, Utah Past National Commander on Veterans Aff airs Edward Boyer Eugene Johnson President and CEO The American Legion Washington Champaign, Ill. Vice President, RR Donnelley Mercy Medical Airlift Sloan D. Gibson Downers Grove, Ill. Virginia Beach, Va. Dennis Connaughton President, USO General Manager Arlington, Va. Gen. Kao, Hua-chu (Ret.) Dannion Brinkley Minister, Veterans Aff airs Commission Veterans Care Plus James G. Elliott Co. New York Ted Gizewski, Esq. Republic of China Henderson, Nev. Senior Attorney, Microsoft Corp. Kenneth D. Danilson Redmond, Wash. Genevieve Keller Anna Brost-Gibson Bourbonnais, Ill. WorkSource (Southside) Career Center Advisory Committee to the National Commander Michael Grutsch Jackson, Fla. Lincoln, Neb. David L. King Woodward, Iowa National Convention Corp. of Kentucky Randy Brown Robert J. Danzig Pat Grutsch Winchester, Ky. District Commander O’Neill, Neb. High Point, N.C. Hearst Newspaper Group Scott J. Kingan Hearst Corp. John Hanson Senior Sales Representative Mary “Dubbie” Buckler New York USO RR Donnelley National Secretary Arlington, Va. Downers Grove, Ill. American Legion Auxiliary Michael S. Dembowski Local Veterans Employment Brad Heath Lester LaBoy Judge Edward F. Butler Representative of the Year Reporter, USA Today Vice President of Sales Secretary General Binghamton, N.Y. McLean, Va. Bulkley Dunton Publishing Group National Society of the Sons Wilmington, Mass. of the American Revolution Raymond C. Dennis Marta Hedding San Antonio Vice President National Treasurer Randall L. Lange Travel Authority American Legion Auxiliary JoshCo, LLC Carmel, Ind. Knoxville, Tenn.

26 The American Legion

Page 26 Distinguished Guests of the 2009 Convention

Col. Lee, Byung Hee (Ret.) Brian O’Hearne Alan Sears Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz Chairman, American and National Adjutant President and CEO Offi ce of the Chief, U.S. Army Reserve Canadian Departments, Sons of The American Legion Alliance Defense Fund Korean Veterans Association Buzzards Bay, Mass. Scottsdale, Ariz. Neal S. Sundeen Columbia, Md. President, The American Legion Laurie Ott Kelly J. Shackelford, Esq. National Convention Corp. of Arizona Dr. Liou, Yi-sheng CSRA Wounded Warrior Care Project Chief Counsel Scottsdale, Ariz. Deputy Superintendent Augusta, Ga. Liberty Legal Institute Puli Veterans Hospital Plano, Texas Keith Thompson Veterans Aff airs Commission David Pearson Director, VA Regional Offi ce Republic of China Avis Budget Group Hon. Eric K. Shinseki Louisville, Ky. Elk Grove Village, Ill. Secretary, Department of Richard Lofgren Veterans Aff airs Jean Thornton President and CEO Deb Persic Washington Wyndham Hotel Group Children’s Organ Transplant Association Mercer Health & Benefi ts Louisville, Ky. Bloomington, Ind. Indianapolis Sidney C. Shouse National Convention Corp. of Kentucky Stanley & Nancy Vala Stephen H. Lord Michael Peterson Bardstown, Ky. Lincoln, Neb. Disabled Veterans Outreach Program, Nolensville, Tenn. Doris A. Sims Margaret E. Van Dyk Specialist of the Year (DVOP) Gen. David H. Petraeus, U.S. Army President, S.A. Van Dyk, Inc. Meridian, Idaho Vice President of Bureau Services Commander, U.S. Central Command Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau Oak Brook, Ill. Daniel A. Ludwig MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. Patrick S. Singletary Rita Wagner Past National Commander Kenneth L. Reese Elgin, Neb. The American Legion 2008 American Legion Baseball Player Staffi ng Manager, URS, EG&G Division of the Year Red Wing, Minn. Germantown, Md. Hon. Tim Walz Henderson, N.C. U.S. House of Representatives Gordon Marsh Ann Rehbein Washington Dominion President Jim Smith First Lady, The American Legion Vice President, Mercy Medical Airlift ANAVIC Ames, Iowa Michael E. Wanser Virginia Beach, Va. National Executive Committee R.V. Martin Christopher & Beth Rehbein The American Legion of Iowa National Recruiter of the Year Hon. Hilda L. Solis and children, Greyson and Camille Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor Carroll, Iowa Jackson, Miss. Ames, Iowa Washington Mark Ward Brent Maule Jennifer M. Rehbein & son, Hans Song Offi ce of the Deputy Under Secretary President, Maule Air Inc. Devin Von Querner of Defense, Military Community and Moultrie, Ga. Director, Overseas Liaison Department Ames, Iowa Veterans Aff airs Commission Family Policy, Senior Program Manager Karen Gordon Mills Republic of China Casualty, Mortuary Phebe Rehbein Washington Administrator Fremont, Neb. U.S. Small Business Administration Robert W. Spanogle Past National Commander Maj. Gen. Craig B. Whelden, Washington Randy & Jenny Rehbein U.S. Army (Ret.) Palisade, Neb. The American Legion Michael Mizell Indianapolis Secretary of the Army’s Representative President Lynne Rollins for Community Covenant Millennium Security Services, LLC District Commander George Sparks Celebration, Fla. Roswell, Ga. Canton, Ga. Associate Director, Boy Scouts of America Irving, Texas Todd E. White Blake Morrison John J. Ross Advisory Committee to the Katie Stam Reporter, USA Today Alternate National Executive National Commander Miss America 2009 McLean, Va. Committeeman The American Legion The American Legion of Iowa Nathaniel Stiefel Worland, Wyo. Adm. Michael Mullen, U.S. Navy Osage, Iowa Chief of Staff , Offi ce of Citizenship Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Wholley U.S. Department of Homeland Security James G. Elliott Co., Inc. Washington Robert Rudisin Washington Vice President, Human Resources Chicago Rita Navarrete URS, EG&G Division Lt. Col. Michael Strobl, National Vice President John Wordin Germantown, Md. U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.) Executive Director, Ride to Recovery American Legion Auxiliary Patriot Award Recipient Susan Sauer Calabasas, Calif. Silas Noel Staff ord, Va. Senior Sales Manager Hon. John Yarmuth President, The American Legion Desireé Stoy Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau U.S. House of Representatives National Convention Corp. of Kentucky National President Washington Frankfort, Ky. American Legion Auxiliary Perrysville, Ohio

91st National Convention 27

Page 27 The Children’s Organ Transplant Association is GIVING HOPE AND MAKING MIRACLES for families across the nation. You can be a Ray of Hope for a family. Raise funds to give hope to a family in your area. Make a gift to make a miracle for a child. Volunteer to help a local fundraising effort. Children’s Organ Plan an activity to raise funds and awareness. Transplant Association Become a Miracle Maker today. PHONE: 800.366.2682 WEB: www.cota.org Go to www.cota.org to learn more about COTA EMAIL: [email protected] and how you can help.

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Page 28 2009 National Convention Offi cials

2009 National Convention Commission

Michael E. Walton John D. Morris Bill Firkins John R. Eckhoff Robert F. Cutler James T. Higuera William F. Rochford Chairman Vice Chairman National Commander’s Consultant Consultant Representative

Leonard B. Zimmerman Roger P. Mathison Charles F. Wessinger Gunner D. Baatrup William R. Kearsing Jr. Wayne D. Satrom William E. Anderson

John Aldecoa Charles R. Knox Kenneth W. Hart Jerry L. Hedrick Randall Coff man Gerald N. Dennis Richard A. Coccimiglio Advisory Board Advisory Board Advisory Board NEC Liaison, Chairman NEC Liaison NEC Liaison NEC Liaison

David L. Gough NEC Liaison

2009 National Convention Corporation

Silas Noel Randall Coff man Randall Fisher Robert Stewart Ted Austin Ken Hart President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Badges & Packets Patriotic Memorial Service

Mike Phelps Doug Sweeney David King William Moore James Terrell William Taylor Information Parade Chairman Distinguished Guests Board of Directors Board of Directors Board of Directors

91st National Convention 29

Page 29 38th Sons of The American Legion National Convention

Welcome, Sons, to the 38th National Convention of the Sons of The American Legion. First, I want to tell you how very proud I am of you, our members. You have all worked so hard this year on all our programs, and for that, I thank you. REGISTRATION But more than that, the veterans whose lives you touched thank you. The families of veterans you have helped thank you. The communities in which you have been Thursday, Aug. 20 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. so active and have advanced our good name are better places today because you Friday, Aug. 21 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. took the time to be involved. Saturday, Aug. 22 8 a.m. – Noon As your commander, I have depended on you to preserve the integrity of the Sons of The CONVENTION COMMITTEE MEETINGS American Legion, and you have done well. There Friday, Aug. 21 8:30 a.m. is no rank among us, for we all wear the same NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS emblem on our hats. As members of the Sons, we must always remember that we are proud Friday, Aug. 21 1 p.m. possessors of a priceless heritage. You have Sunday, Aug. 23 2 p.m. always upheld our four great principles: justice, freedom, democracy and loyalty. I have always been proud to be a Son, and that pride has been reinforced many times this year. Listening to our name read into the FRIDAY, AUG. 21 First Report of Credentials Committee Congressional Record during testimony Sept. 1 p.m. 11 was awesome. Standing on the USS Arizona Thomas “Tommie” Cisna Membership Committee Report Pre-Convention National Executive Memorial on Sunday morning, Dec. 7, to place National Commander, Illinois and Awards our wreath was also inspiring. These are just a Committee Meeting Child Welfare Foundation couple of the amazing moments where the Sons have had a presence. But the times 2 p.m. I have felt most proud were during our organization’s meetings. The reporting and Committee Awards Call to Order level of our members’ activity show the power of this Legion program. If you want Presentation of National History something done, call a Son. Salute to the Colors Book Contest Awards Thank you, too, for the success of our second annual Veterans Assistance Day. That Invocation Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation afternoon, I was out on a farm doing some welding for a deployed Navy reservist. Pledge of Allegiance Committee Report and Awards Congratulations on making the $4 million donation goal for The American Legion Preamble to the Constitution of Internal Aff airs Committee Report Child Welfare Foundation, and on once again being the largest contributor. Good job, Sons! I know many people worked hard to make that happen, and I know the Sons of The American Legion Presentation of Community grant recipients thank you for making a diff erence. Reading of the Convention Call Service Scrapbook Awards Finally, I’d like to say a personal “thank you” for making one particular project a Roll Call Americanism Committee Report huge success: our organization’s partnership with Josh and Friends, a program that Opening Remarks and Awards comforts hospitalized children with the book “I’ll Be OK” and cuddly “Josh” plush National Vice Commanders Reports puppies. You have brought so much joy to children who really need it. I have had Welcome from Host Detachment the opportunity to distribute many “Josh dogs” myself, and I thank everyone who Establishment of Convention Children & Youth Committee helped make this partnership happen. Committees Report and Awards Now it is time for our annual convention and all that comes with it: the presenta- Legislative and Rules Committee Legislative and Rules Committee tion of well-earned awards, collecting on many of the challenges issued this year, Report deserved accolades, reconnecting with friends from across the United States, and Introduction of Past National enjoying the camaraderie of belonging to a well-respected American Legion family. Commanders Finance Committee Report You have all worked hard to make this year a success, and our national convention is National Convention Memorial Constitution and By-Laws a time to see and hear about the fruits of that work. I hope I get a chance to talk to Service Committee Report each of you, for you have made this the best year ever. Salute to the Colors Final Report of the Credentials Truly it has been an honor and a joy to serve with you this year, an experience that Committee will not be forgotten. I have also been honored to share this year with the leaders of RECESS The American Legion family: American Legion National Commander David RECESS Rehbein, American Legion Auxiliary National President Desireé Stoy and National Junior Auxiliary President Kaylee Horan. Thank you all for your service this year, SATURDAY, AUG. 22 2 p.m. and for your friendship. Many of you have gotten to know my wife, Kathy, who I am 8:30 a.m. Area Caucuses (or immediately truly blessed to have in my life. I also want to thank my father for his service, for following recess) earning my SAL eligibility, and for supporting me. None of this would have been Call to Order possible without him. Salute to the Colors SUNDAY, AUG. 23 Invocation 8 a.m. Pledge of Allegiance Call to Order Thomas “Tommie” Cisna Roll Call National Commander Salute to the Colors

30 The American Legion

Page 30 38th Sons of The American Legion National Convention

Invocation Election of Offi cers: Salute to the Colors Pledge of Allegiance National Commander, National Installation of Newly Elected Roll Call Vice Commanders, National Offi cers Chaplain Introduction of 2009 National Benediction Sons of The American Legion 10:30 a.m. Retirement of Colors Color Guard Champions Recess for Joint Memorial Service Final Adjournment Final Report of the National 11 a.m. 2 p.m. Commander Joint Memorial Service Post-Convention National Special Order of Business 12:30 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting Nominations of Sons of The Call to Order American Legion National Offi cers

2008-2009 National Offi cers

National Commander Thomas “Tommie” Cisna Illinois National Chaplain Louis R. Baldessari Colorado National Vice Commanders National Historian Michael L. Lawler Wisconsin East David L. Downey New York National Judge Advocate Joseph Paviglianti New York South Emmett L. Crosby Mississippi Central Dennis M. Blue Minnesota National Sergeant-at-Arms Denver R. Phelps Illinois Midwest Moss Ed Magers Texas National Assistant West Jerry A. Hjelle Washington Sergeant-at-Arms Dan Poole Michigan National Adjutant Brian J. O’Hearne Massachusetts Robert Fifi eld Massachusetts Tom Getz Ohio National Assistant Adjutants Charles T. Tucker Georgia Harold E. Thompson Jr. Nebraska Peter Sierminski Colorado Ed Sheubrooks Florida Cliff ord E. Hall Massachusetts National Commander’s Aide Harl D. Ray Illinois David Ridenour Indiana Robert J. Avery New York Lyle Larson Kansas Anthony W. Wright Pennsylvania

Past National Commanders

1968 Michael Seaton California 1982 David P. Stephens Indiana 1996 John T. Dietz Kentucky 1969 Robert McBride Ohio 1983 Christopher R. Cerullo New York 1997 Jack E. Jordan Texas 1970 J.R. Stillwell Illinois 1984 Fred Hartline Ohio 1998 William E. Matoska Maryland 1971 J.R. Stillwell Illinois 1985 Woodrow L. Mudge† Colorado 1999 Byron J. Robichaux Louisiana 1972 John Smolinsky Massachusetts 1986 Royce Doucet† Louisiana 2000 Richard L. Cook Oklahoma 1973 Robert Faust California 1987 Douglas Bible Minnesota 2001 Kevin N. Winkelmann Texas 1974 James Hartman Maryland 1988 Richard L. League Maryland 2002 Cliff ord A. Smith Massachusetts 1975 Gregory Reis Illinois 1989 David Faust Wisconsin 2003 Steve C. Laws North Carolina 1976 Grant Jamieson Michigan 1990 Charles R. Belles Virginia 2004 Neal C. Warnken Kansas 1977 Charles Gannon Maryland 1991 Robert A. Worrel Indiana 2005 Michael J. Deacon Iowa 1978 John M. Sherrard California 1992 Eugene L. Sacco Oregon 2006 William L. Sparwasser Maryland 1979 Richard Kepler Florida 1993 Charles Rigsby† Michigan 2007 Earl R. Ruttkofsky Michigan 1980 Ernest Wilson† New Jersey 1994 Roland D. Matteson Arizona 2008 Raymond P. Giehll Jr. Indiana 1981 Donald Willson† Pennsylvania 1995 Joseph Mayne Minnesota †Deceased

91st National Convention 31

Page 31 The American Legion Honor Roll of Service

Past National Commanders 1919-2008

Franklin D’Olier† Harry W. Colmery† Seaborn P. Collins† Joe L. Matthews Robert S. Turner Pennsylvania 1919-20 Kansas 1936-37 New Mexico 1954-55 Texas 1972-73 Georgia 1990-91 Frederic W. Galbraith Jr.† Daniel J. Doherty† J. Addington Wagner† Robert E.L. Eaton† Dominic D. DiFrancesco Ohio 1920-21 Massachusetts 1937-38 Michigan 1955-56 Maryland 1973-74 Pennsylvania 1991-92 John G. Emery† Stephen F. Chadwick† Dan Daniel† James M. Wagonseller† Roger A. Munson† Michigan 1921 Washington 1938-39 Virginia 1956-57 Ohio 1974-75 Ohio 1992-93 Hanford MacNider† Raymond J. Kelly† John S. Gleason Jr.† Harry G. Wiles† Bruce Thiesen Iowa 1921-22 Michigan 1939-40 Illinois 1957-58 Kansas 1975-76 California 1993-94 Alvin M. Owsley† Milo J. Warner† Preston J. Moore† William J. Rogers† William M. Detweiler Texas 1922-23 Ohio 1940-41 Oklahoma 1958-59 Maine 1976-77 Louisiana 1994-95 John R. Quinn† Lynn U. Stambaugh† Martin B. McKneally† Robert Charles Smith† Daniel A. Ludwig California 1923-24 North Dakota 1941-42 New York 1959-60 Louisiana 1977-78 Minnesota 1995-96 James A. Drain† Roane Waring† William R. Burke† John M. Carey† Joseph J. Frank District of Columbia 1924-25 Tennessee 1942-43 California 1960-61 Michigan 1978-79 Missouri 1996-97 John R. McQuigg† Warren H. Atherton† Charles L. Bacon† Frank I. Hamilton† Anthony G. Jordan Ohio 1925-26 California 1943-44 Missouri 1961-62 Indiana 1979-80 Maine 1997-98 Howard P. Savage† Edward N. Scheiberling† James E. Powers† Michael J. Kogutek Harold L. Miller Illinois 1926-27 New York 1944-45 Georgia 1962-63 New York 1980-81 Virginia 1998-99 Edward E. Spaff ord† John Stelle† Hon. Daniel F. Foley† Jack W. Flynt† Alan G. Lance Sr. New York 1927-28 Illinois 1945-46 Minnesota 1963-64 Texas 1981-82 Idaho 1999-00 Paul V. McNutt† Paul H. Griffi th† Donald E. Johnson† Al Keller Jr.† Ray G. Smith Indiana 1928-29 Pennsylvania 1946-47 Iowa 1964-65 Illinois 1982-83 North Carolina 2000-01 O. Lee Bodenhamer† James F. O’Neil† L. Eldon James† Keith Kreul Richard J. Santos Arkansas 1929-30 New Hampshire 1947-48 Virginia 1965-66 Wisconsin 1983-84 Maryland 2001-02 Ralph T. O’Neill† Perry Brown† John E. Davis† Clarence M. Bacon Ronald F. Conley Kansas 1930-31 Texas 1948-49 North Dakota 1966-67 Maryland 1984-85 Pennsylvania 2002-03 Henry L. Stevens Jr.† George N. Craig† William E. Galbraith Dale L. Renaud† John A. Brieden III North Carolina 1931-32 Indiana 1949-50 Nebraska 1967-68 Iowa 1985-86 Texas 2003-04 Louis A. Johnson† Erle Cocke Jr.† William C. Doyle† James P. Dean† Thomas P. Cadmus West Virginia 1932-33 Georgia 1950-51 New Jersey 1968-69 Mississippi 1986-87 Michigan 2004-05 Edward A. Hayes† Donald R. Wilson† J. Milton Patrick† John P. Comer Thomas L. Bock Illinois 1933-34 West Virginia 1951-52 Oklahoma 1969-70 Massachusetts 1987-88 Colorado 2005-06 Frank N. Belgrano Jr.† Lewis K. Gough† Alfred R. Chamie† Hon. H.F. Gierke Paul A. Morin California 1934-35 California 1952-53 California 1970-71 North Dakota 1988-89 Massachusetts 2006-07 Ray Murphy† Arthur J. Connell† John H. Geiger Miles S. Epling Marty Conatser Iowa 1935-36 Connecticut 1953-54 Illinois 1971-72 West Virginia 1989-90 Illinois 2007-08 Past National Commanders By Vote of National Convention Bennett Champ Clark† Theodore Roosevelt Jr.† Thomas W. Miller† E. Roy Stone Jr.† Missouri New York Nevada South Carolina 1987 Presided at Paris Caucus, March 1919 Eric Fisher Wood† Chairman Pro Tempore Robert W. Spanogle Milton J. Foreman† Pennsylvania Paris Caucus, March 1919 Michigan 2008 Illinois Temporary Chairman Maurice Stember† Chairman, Executive Committee at Paris and Secretary at Paris Caucus New York 1975 Henry D. Lindsley† Hamilton Fish† Texas New York 1979 Presided at St. Louis Caucus, May 1919 Honorary National Commanders

Gen. John J. Pershing† Marshal Ferdinand Foch†

†Deceased

32 The American Legion

Page 32 Distinguished Service Medal Recipients

The American Legion Distinguished Service Medal is awarded after nominations are presented by the national commander, or by department action. The gold-based medallion is inscribed with the words “Distinguished Service” on the front. The reverse side of the medallion features the name of the recipient. The medal is awarded at the national convention, in recognition of outstanding service to the nation and to the ideals of The American Legion. Also presented is a walnut plaque with a gold- plated relief depicting the “Guardians of Freedom” and the name of the recipient.

1921 Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France 1951 Gen. Charles P. Summerall 1978 Bowie K. Kuhn Adm. Earl Beatty of Great Britain 1953 1979 Gen. Baron Jacques of Belgium Rep. Royal C. Johnson* Thomas A. Murphy Gen. Armando Diaz of Italy 1954 Maj. Gen. George A. White* 1980 President Gerald R. Ford Charles Bertrand of France Dead & Missing of the Vietnam War 1955 Dr. Jonas E. Salk 1922 Gen. John J. Pershing Maj. Gen. Ellard A. Walsh 1981 American Space Shuttle Astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen 1923 Adm. Robert E. Coontz 1956 Vice Adm. Joel T. Boone Gen. Josef Haller of Poland Charles Stewart Mott 1982 President Ronald W. Reagan 1926 Ignace Jan Paderewski of Poland 1957 Gen. Mark W. Clark 1983 Adm. Hyman C. Rickover The Most Rev. Fulton J. Sheen 1927 Comte Francois Marie Robert Dejean 1984 Sen. J. Strom Thurmond of France 1958 Bernard Mannes Baruch 1985 Unknown Servicemen of WWI, WWII Hon. Caspar W. Weinberger 1928 Field Marshal Viscount Allenby Fleet Adm. William F. Halsey Jr.* of Great Britain and Korea, interred at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington 1987 Hon. William H. Webster 1929 Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis National Cemetery 1988 Douglas Edwards 1930 Adm. William S. Sims 1959 Sen. Robert S. Kerr 1989 Hon. Howard H. Baker Jr. 1942 Gen. Douglas A. MacArthur 1961 President John F. Kennedy 1990 Michael E. DeBakey, M.D. 1943 Gen. George C. Marshall 1962 Gen. Lucius D. Clay 1991 President George H.W. Bush Adm. Ernest J. King Dr. Thomas A. Dooley* 1992 Richard Thornburgh 1944 Hon. Frank Knox* 1963 Francis Cardinal Spellman Henry Ford 1964 Dr. Charles W. Mayo 1993 Gen. Colin Powell Gen. H.H. Arnold 1965 President Herbert C. Hoover* 1994 Walter Annenburg 1945 President Franklin D. Roosevelt Hon. James F. Byrnes 1995 Crew of the Enola Gay Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr.* 1966 Capt. Roger H.C. Donlon (Paul W. Tibbets, Dutch Van Kirk, Ernest (“Ernie”) Pyle* Tom Ferebee, Dick Nelson and Hon. Henry L. Stimson 1967 Hon. Tom C. Clark Bob Carron*) Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower 1968 President Lyndon B. Johnson 1996 Rep. G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Gen. William C. Westmoreland 1946 J. Edgar Hoover 1997 Sen. Robert J. Dole Bob Hope 1969 President Richard M. Nixon 1999 Zachary Fisher* William Randolph Hearst 1970 Rep. Olin E. Teague Maj. Gen. Lewis B. Hershey 2000 Sen. Orrin Hatch Hon. Cordell Hull 1971 Rep. L. Mendel Rivers* Sen. Richard B. Russell* 2001 Gen. Henry H. Shelton 1947 Lt. Gen. William S. Knudsen 2002 Sen. Edward Martin 1972 Sen. John C. Stennis Rep. Bob Stump Chief Justice Fred M. Vinson Dewitt Wallace 2003 Drs. Jeanne Mager Stellman and 1949 President Harry S. Truman 1974 Hon. Henry A. Kissinger Steven Stellman George Herman (“Babe”) Ruth* Rep. F. Edward Hebert 2005 Gen. Richard B. Myers Maj. Gen. Frank Parker* 1975 Harry W. Colmery 2006 Maj. Gen. Patrick H. Brady 1950 Charles F. Johnson Jr. 1976 Pat O’Brien Maj. Gen. Milton A. Reckord 2007 Dr. Kenneth W. Kizer Rep. Edith Nourse Rogers 1977 Howard A. Rusk, M.D. 2008 President George W. Bush

*awarded posthumously

Not awarded in years 1924, 1925, 1931-1941, 1948, 1952, 1960, 1973, 1986, 1998 and 2004.

91st National Convention 33

Page 33 “When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Page 34 The Historic Grand Stands of Churchill Downs

Introduction National Adjutant’s Report ...... 36 2009 National Offi cers ...... 37 National Executive Committee...... 38 Youth Champions ...... 39 Annual Military Academy Students ...... 40 Commission and Committee Reports Americanism Commission ...... 41 Reports Counter-Subversive Activities Committee ...... 41 National Committee on Education ...... 41 Commission on Children & Youth ...... 42 National Convention Commission ...... 42 Distinguished Guests Committee ...... 43 American Legion Child Welfare Foundation ...... 43 National Economic Commission ...... 44 Finance Commission ...... 45 The American Legion Insurance Committee ...... 45 Condensed Report on Emblem Sales Division ...... 45 Foreign Relations Commission ...... 46 Internal Aff airs Commission ...... 46 Information Technology ...... 50 National Legislative Commission ...... 50 The American Legion Magazine Commission ...... 51 National Security Commission ...... 51 Public Relations Commission ...... 52 Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation Commission ...... 53 Administrative Services ...... 54 Covers the period ending June 1, 2009 The following pages of this offi cial program of the 91st Annual National Convention of The American Legion contain a condensed annual report for the year 2008-2009. Believing that delegates to the national convention are entitled to receive a concise statement of the major activities of The American Legion for the past year, ending with this national convention, your National Headquarters provides this report as a part of the offi cial program. In this manner, we are assured that every delegate and everyone who registers for the convention will receive the condensed annual report. A full, detailed report has been submitted to the Congress of the United States, in accordance with the Legion’s congressionally granted charter and provisions of Public Law 249, 77th Congress, approved Sept. 18, 1941.

91st National Convention 35

Page 35 National Adjutant’s Report

An American Legion as relevant as ever

I’m sure some of you hear, from time to time, that The American Legion isn’t as relevant as it once was – that organizations like ours need to change with the times. I’ll agree with that last part. Corporations, organizations and individuals must learn to adapt to modern technology and new ways of doing business. The way we did it 50 years ago doesn’t always work today. But you’ll never convince me that The American Legion has become irrelevant. We are second to none when it comes to veterans advocacy, and supporting America’s servicemembers and their families. Look no further than our quick response to the White House’s proposal to allow VA to start billing insurance companies of service-disabled veterans for care they’re supposed to receive at no personal cost. Immediately, The American Legion expressed its opposition to the plan, voicing our displeasure in a Wall Street Journal op-ed piece. Within days, as national media cast a spotlight on our position, the White House withdrew its proposal. Months ago, a Department of Homeland Security report depicted returning war veterans as potential recruits for domestic terrorism and right-wing extremism. We did not sit still for this, either, issuing a press release condemning the report and calling for a meeting with DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. Again, we got results: Napolitano person- ally apologized to National Commander David Rehbein for the report, and both sides pledged a stronger partnership between DHS and our organization. Daniel S. Wheeler Those are just two examples of the diff erence our organization has made this year on the national level. But imagine National Adjutant our communities if there were no American Legion. Virginia Without The American Legion, there would be no American Legion Baseball. Nearly 90,000 players would be without team sponsors and, likely, without teams. Without The American Legion, there’d be no Oratorical program. Five thousand U.S. high-school students would not only lose a shot at college scholarships, they’d miss a chance to deepen their understanding of our Constitution – an appreciation they carry with them for the rest of their lives. More than 1,300 youth would miss out on the Legion’s Junior Shooting Sports program, which teaches gun safety and off ers a chance to earn college scholarships. More than 19,000 young men would lose an opportunity for an up-close look at how their state governments work through the Legion’s Boys State program. Ninety-eight of those participants would lose an opportunity to get a similar look at the federal government at Boys Nation. Who would stand up for Old Glory but for The American Legion? We formed the Citizens Flag Alliance, the primary lobbying group for a constitutional amendment that would return to Americans the right to protect their fl ag from desecration. Thankfully, we have the support of scores of other organizations, but the Legion is the backbone of the CFA’s eff orts. Who but Legionnaires would step in and volunteer more than 900,000 hours at Department of Veterans Aff airs facilities, saving VA millions of dollars in the process? Who would off er the services to U.S. military families that the Legion’s Family Support Network provides? From where would come the more than $700,000 in Temporary Financial Assistance awarded last year to military families with dependent children?

It’s hard to imagine an America without The American Legion. You probably can’t, because much of what you do for others has become habit. It’s who you are. I salute the work you do on behalf of The American Legion. You’re not just making a diff erence in our organization. You’re making a diff erence in the lives of hundreds of thousands of your fellow citizens.

36 The American Legion

Page 36 National Offi cers

David K. Rehbein Daniel S. Wheeler James A. LaCoursiere Michael J. Landkamer National Commander, Iowa National Adjutant, Virginia National Vice Commander National Vice Commander Connecticut Nebraska The American Legion continues its commitment to serving the nation’s veterans, their families and all children. This commitment has served us well since 1919, when the veterans of World War I returned to American soil and formed what would become the world’s largest veterans service organization. As The American Legion convenes in Louisville, Ky., delegates gather to conduct the vital business of this great organization. From this convention will come policies that will direct the volunteer members as they work to make their communities – and our nation – better in the coming year, and beyond. Harley W. Ray Dellano T. Simmons James W. Davis The American Legion accomplishes its goals primarily at the grassroots National Vice Commander National Vice Commander National Vice Commander level but with direction from the National Headquarters in Indianapolis Oregon Texas West Virginia and a major offi ce in Washington, D.C. The American Legion’s chief executive offi cer is the national commander, elected by delegates to the national convention for a one-year term. The fi ve national vice commanders are also chosen by the national conven- tion. David K. Rehbein is the 2008-2009 national commander of The American Legion. The major accomplishments of the Legion during his term are detailed in the following pages of this offi cial program and condensed annual report. Daniel S. Wheeler, national adjutant, is the chief administrative offi cer of The American Legion. The national adjutant, the national judge Randy L. Freel Lawrence L. Vollink Charles J. Zelinsky advocate, national treasurer, national chaplain, national historian and National Sergeant-at-Arms National Chaplain National Historian national sergeant-at-arms comprise the appointed national offi cers of Iowa Michigan Illinois The American Legion.

Milt Heifner P.B. Onderdonk Jr. George A. Buskirk Jr. Aide to the National National Judge Advocate National Treasurer Commander, Iowa Maryland Indiana

91st National Convention 37

Page 37 National Executive Committee

National Executive Committee

Between national conventions, the administrative authority of The American Legion is exercised by the National Executive Committee, composed of the national commander, the fi ve national vice commanders, national chaplain and one National Executive Committeeman (plus alternate) elected by each department.

Alabama Floyd W. Turner Montana Bob O. Beals Alaska James L. Van Horn Nebraska Douglas Boldt Arizona Deodoro M. Aguilar Nevada Salvatore Ruvolo Arkansas Ross Rogers New Hampshire John E. Neylon California Fred J. Walton New Jersey William A. Rakestraw Jr. Colorado Ralph P. Bozella New Mexico Bruce Jorgensen Connecticut Richard W. Anderson New York Paul Mitras Delaware Charles T. Armbruster Jr. North Carolina Jerry L. Hedrick District of Columbia Paul H. Hasz North Dakota Curtis O. Twete Florida Robert J. Proctor Ohio Richard H. Zulch France William E. Marshall Oklahoma Bobby J. Longenbaugh Georgia Ray Hendrix Oregon Charles E. Schmidt Hawaii Andrew W. Johnson Pennsylvania Richard A. Coccimiglio Idaho Morris M. Bentley Philippines William J. Kelly Illinois Kenneth J. Trumbull Puerto Rico Carlos Orria-Medina Indiana W. Darrell Hansel Rhode Island Ernest Gerundio Iowa Michael E. Wanser South Carolina Billy W. Bell Kansas David O. Warnken South Dakota Paul A. Evenson Kentucky Randall Coffman Tennessee Perry D. Roberts Louisiana Charles D. Aucoin Texas Conrad L. Roberson Maine Robert A. Owen Utah William E. Christoff ersen Maryland John F. Milburn Vermont Leslie V. Howe Massachusetts James F. Army Virginia George C. Lussier Jr. Mexico Arthur Herbruger Washington William F. Schrier Michigan Gerald N. Dennis West Virginia William W. Kile Minnesota Virgil V. Persing Wisconsin David L. Gough Mississippi Charles E. Langley Wyoming Gerald L. Jacobs Missouri Richard A. Heigert

Past National Commanders

Past national commanders are life members of the National Executive Committee but do not vote. The NEC appoints the national adjutant, treasurer, judge advocate, chaplain, historian and sergeant-at-arms, and has complete control over the annual budget.

William E. Galbraith Hon. H.F. Gierke Joseph J. Frank John A. Brieden III Nebraska North Dakota Missouri Texas John H. Geiger Miles S. Epling Anthony G. Jordan Thomas P. Cadmus Illinois West Virginia Maine Michigan Joe L. Matthews Robert S. Turner Harold L. Miller Thomas L. Bock Texas Georgia Virginia Colorado Michael J. Kogutek Dominic D. DiFrancesco Hon. Alan G. Lance Sr. Paul A. Morin New York Pennsylvania Idaho Massachusetts Keith A. Kreul Bruce Thiesen Ray G. Smith Marty Conatser Wisconsin California North Carolina Illinois Clarence M. Bacon William M. Detweiler Richard J. Santos Robert W. Spanogle Maryland Louisiana Maryland Michigan John P. Comer Daniel A. Ludwig Ronald F. Conley Massachusetts Minnesota Pennsylvania

38 The American Legion

Page 38 Youth Champions

2009 Oratorical Champion

Andrew Dykstal, Lafayette, Ind., sponsored by American Legion Post 38, West Lafayette, Ind. With a speech about an active and involved U.S. citizenry, Andrew Dykstal of as citizens determines the condition and direction of our nation. Lafayette, Ind., won the 72nd Annual American Legion Oratorical “Thomas Paine, author of ‘Common Sense,’ wrote, ‘When we are planning for Championship in Indianapolis in April. His oration, “A More Perfect Union,” posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.’ The founders won the Aldersgate Academy graduate an $18,000 scholarship. acknowledged that the future of our nation depended upon people yet “The Preamble describes a nation characterized by justice, peace, security unborn. We face a decision as a society. How effi ciently our government and liberty,” Dykstal said. “The Constitution ordains a government that protects a more perfect union is a function of how virtuous a people we enables this but by no means guarantees it. Even a perfectly designed choose to be.” bicycle cannot reach its destination without a profi cient cyclist. Our conduct

2008 Baseball Player of the Year

Patrick Singletary, Hendersonville, N.C., sponsored by American Legion Post 77, Hendersonville, N.C. Patrick Singletary is the 2008 George W. Rulon American Legion Player of Singletary is the 60th American Legion Baseball player to be honored by the Year. the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. On He received a $4,000 scholarship, and another $1,000 scholarship as the June 21, he played in the inaugural Hall of Fame Classic game with Baseball Legion’s 2008 Southeast Region Player of the Year. He’s currently enrolled at Hall of Fame members. He is the fi rst player from North Carolina to win the the University of Georgia, studying veterinary science. George W. Rulon American Legion Player of the Year Award.

2008 Shooting Sports Champion

Ethan Settlemires, Walnut, Miss., Xentri Garza, Fort Worth, Texas, sponsored by Perry A. Johns Post 6, Corinth, Miss. sponsored by Post 569, Fort Worth, Texas Ethan Settlemires of Walnut, Miss., won the National Cham- Xentri Garza of Fort Worth, Texas, won the National Cham- pionship Precision award at the 18th Annual Junior Air Rifl e pionship Sporter award at the 18th Annual Junior Air Rifl e Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Championships at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 2008. He totalled an aggregate score of Springs, Colo., in 2008. She totalled an aggregate score of 2462.2 out of a possible 2509. Settlemires is a member of the 2286.8 out of a possible 2509. Garza shoots for the R.L. Pas- Cross Roads Shooting Sports Association, sponsored by Perry chal High School JROTC Marksmanship Unit, sponsored by Post A. Johns Post 6. He attends the University of Kentucky. 569. She will attend the University of Texas at El Paso this fall.

2009 Eagle Scout of the Year

Brad P. Jencks, South Jordan, Utah, Troop 123 Brad P. Jencks is the 2009 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year. for hundreds of headstones, entering the information into a database. As A graduate of Bingham High School in South Jordan, Utah, and a member a result, people from all over the world have identifi ed ancestors from 30 of Troop 123, he received a $10,000 scholarship. countries and 38 states buried there. The award recognizes Jencks’ practical citizenship at school, his Scouting The Utah State Historical Society now has Jencks’ collected data, and a achievements, and his passion for and commitment to community service. number of war veterans’ graves have been identifi ed for appropriate honors. For his Eagle Scout project, Jencks led an eff ort to restore the Bingham Initially expecting to do a 100-hour project, Jencks completed 2,790 hours City Cemetery. With the help of volunteers, he cleared garbage, weeds and of work. sagebrush from the 8-acre site. He also repaired vandalized headstones, Jencks will study chemistry and biology at Honors College. After graduation, replaced and installed others, and photographed and recorded GPS readings he plans to attend dental school and become an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

2008 Boys Nation President

Joseph Riley, Etowah, Tenn., sponsored by American Legion Post 248, Etowah, Tenn. Joseph Riley of Etowah, Tenn., was elected president of American Legion body president at McMinn Central High School, as well as Tennessee 4-H Boys Nation at Marymount University in Arlington, Va., on July 22, 2008. governor. He plans to study law and enter the JAG Corps. The son of Craig and Becky Riley, he served as class president and student

91st National Convention 39

Page 39 2009 Outstanding Military Academy Students

U.S. Military Academy

Cadet Andy L. Cahoy Cadet Cahoy received this year’s American Legion award for highest standing in chemistry at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. National Vice Commander Harley W. Ray presented the award.

U.S. Air Force Academy

Cadet Bradley R. Dewees Cadet Dewees received this year’s Outstanding Cadet in Academic Performance Award, sponsored by The American Legion and presented in honor of Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott. National Vice Commander James W. Davis presented the award at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy & U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

Names and photos of American Legion award winners were not available at press time.

40 The American Legion

Page 40 The American Legion 2009 Annual Reports

NATIONAL AMERICANISM COMMISSION Immigration/Naturalization The American Legion is adamantly opposed to illegal immigration and amnesty, by any form or name, for individuals illegally in this country. The American Legion supports enforcement Joseph E. Caouette of existing immigration laws, strong border security, and reducing legal immigration to a New Hampshire number that can be easily assimilated into our society. Chairman Through articles in The American Legion Magazine and Dispatch, the Americanism Commis- William A. Pease sion works to inform Legionnaires and others about the serious threats to U.S. national and Indiana economic security posed by illegal immigration. Director Helping legal immigrants prepare for citizenship and assimilation into U.S. society is in the best interest of our nation. Providing assistance and instruction to those immigrants During the past year, the Americanism Commission continued to off er a variety of programs following the legal path to citizenship has been a long-standing and proud tradition of The and activities to give recognition to the ideal of human values, and the dignity and worth American Legion almost since its founding. Over the decades, many posts, districts and of the individual. These programs and activities embrace many aspects of an individual’s departments throughout the country have hosted naturalization orientation sessions to help relationship to his or her community, state and nation. They are designed to create improved teach profi ciency in the English language and lessons in U.S. history and civics. The National living for every individual, recognizing all of the inalienable rights of man and woman, and Americanism Commission continues to actively encourage and promote these worthwhile the human qualities of mind and heart. eff orts. Following is a summary of the commission’s activities: Counter-Subversive Activities Committee Youth activities Robert G. Bournival Programs for our nation’s youth continue to help thousands reach their potential by building New Hampshire physical, mental and moral alertness while cultivating strong character and fostering civic Chairman responsibility. Activities and events of the past year included the following: The Counter-Subversive Activities Committee keeps a watchful eye on activities of individuals • Andrew Dykstal of Lafayette, Ind., won the 2009 National High School Oratorical Contest and groups that threaten our form of government. Findings are reported to the National and an $18,000 college scholarship. Caroline Heydinger of Vernon, Vt., placed second and Americanism Commission and to the general membership through American Legion publica- received a $16,000 scholarship. Werner Ferrone of Homosassa, Fla., placed third and received tions and online at www.legion.org. a $14,000 scholarship. National Committee on Education • Brad Jencks of South Jordan, Utah, is the 2009 American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year and The Rev. James T. Akers the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship. Runners-up and recipients of $2,500 scholarships are Kansas John Register of Austin, Minn.; John Dreyzehner of Abingdon, Va.; and Joe Phillips of Fond Chairman du Lac, Wis. The American Legion believes education is the cornerstone upon which the future of our • More than 1,250 young men and women competed individually in this year’s postal nation is built. In keeping with this credo, activities during the past year have focused on matches associated with the American Legion’s Junior Shooting Sports Program. In addition, improving and maintaining a stronger relationship between American Legion posts and 217 teams competed this year. Junior Shooting Sports continues to interest young shooters schools in their communities. across the country, training Olympic hopefuls in organized marksmanship competition. Widely recognized throughout the country as the premiere authority on issues concerning • Nearly 375 American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion members have the fl ag of the United States, The American Legion off ers “For Which It Stands,” a DVD about been awarded The American Legion and Scouting Square Knot Award, recognizing active the history, signifi cance and meaning of our fl ag, and proper respect and care for it. “For involvement in Scouting programs. Contact the Americanism and Children & Youth Division Which It Stands” is designed primarily for students in upper elementary, middle or junior- at (317) 630-1203 for more information about the award. high schools. American Legion Baseball In addition to a 20-minute video program, “For Which It Stands” includes instructional en- This year marks the 83rd season for American Legion hancements to give students a rich and rewarding learning experience, as well as additional Baseball. The 2009 American Legion Baseball 2009 online learning activities. The DVD is available from Emblem Sales (Stock No. 755.400) for American Legion World Series was played in Fargo, N.D., $9.95, plus shipping and handling. from Aug. 14 to 18. FFaarrgg The American Legion continues to promote the concept of bringing U.S. veterans into the oo,, • The American Legion Baseball team from ND nation’s classrooms to speak about their military experiences, receiving an enthusiastic Las Vegas, and sponsored by Post 76, won the response from both educators and veterans. To support these eff orts, a video program titled 2008 American Legion Baseball World Series. As national “America’s Veterans” is available. Designed to increase student understanding of the role of champions, the team was invited to attend the Major League veterans in a free society, the video is available from Emblem Sales (Stock No. 755.402) for Baseball World Series in Tampa Bay, Fla., as guests of The American Legion and Major League $3.95, plus shipping and handling. Baseball. Other events during the past year: • Patrick Singletary, with American Legion Post 77 of Hendersonville, N.C., is the 2008 George • Sesame Street Workshop received The American Legion’s 2009 National Education Award. W. Rulon Player of the Year. He received a $3,500 scholarship and attended the National Baseball Hall of Fame Game in Cooperstown, N.Y. Singletary is the 60th American Legion • Nearly 25,000 school award medals were presented to deserving boys and girls in graduat- Baseball player to be honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Fifty-two members of ing classes of elementary and secondary schools and junior colleges. Recipients are selected the National Baseball Hall of Fame played American Legion Baseball. based on courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. Get Out the Vote • The Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program continued to make awards, distribut- ing more than $3.5 million to students since its inception in 1996. TheTThhe AmericanAmerican LeLLegionegion The American Legion continues to support and endorse the Get Out the Vote campaign and encourages the active participation of all • Guidance counselors at more than 29,700 public, private and parochial high schools , AMERIAAMMERIERICA Legionnaires, individually and collectively, within their respective received The American Legion’s scholarship and fi nancial-aid publication “Need A Lift?” The ‘080 communities. As citizens of this great nation, it is our duty and re- booklet is now available online at www.needalift.org, allowing students to search and print sponsibility to exercise this right of franchise by casting our ballots entries for free. Copies are available from Emblem Sales for a single-copy cost of $3, plus every Election Day, and to encourage others to do so as well. shipping and handling. 91st National Convention 41

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• The National Americanism Commission continues to actively promote and solicit contribu- Family Support Network tions to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, established by The American Legion Since Sept. 11, 2001, National Guard and reserve units have been activated in record to assist the children of U.S. military personnel who die while serving on active duty on or numbers. Many military families often fi nd themselves unable to meet normal monthly after Sept. 11, 2001. This year, American Legion Legacy scholarships of $2,250 each were household obligations during a parent’s deployment. The American Legion maintains a awarded to Samuel Bauer of Pipestone, Minn.; Jennifer Clapp of Salado, Texas; Taylor Mat- nationwide Family Support Network toll-free telephone number, 1-800-504-4098, for U.S. thew Curry of Atlanta; Sara Beth Felts of Fayetteville, N.C.; Tyler Harper of Fort Leavenworth, servicemembers and their families to call if or when they need assistance. The Legion can Kan.; Henry Irizarry of Bridgeport, Conn.; Chantel Jeff eries of Honolulu; Espirit Johnson of also be contacted online at www.legion.org/fsn. All requests are referred to local American Indian Head, Md.; Sean Johnson of Clovis, Calif.; Tori Lynn Johnson of Spokane, Wash.; Joseph Legion posts, which contact the servicemember or their family to determine and address McVey of Oak Hill, W.Va.; Amanda Marie Sorro of Clarksville, Tenn.; Erin Stein of Colchester, their specifi c needs. As the nation’s largest veterans organization, The American Legion is Ill.; Timothy Stein of Colchester, Ill.; Eva Marie Witt of Springfi eld, Ohio; and Jessica Turner absolutely committed to the men and women of our armed forces. of Colmesneil, Texas. Send contributions to The American Legacy Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box Operation: Military Kids 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Operation: Military Kids is a collaborative eff ort between the U.S. Army and America’s Summary communities to support children and youth impacted by military deployment. Since April This year-end report refl ects only a small part of the work carried out by The American 2005, OMK has assisted 88,000 military youth and provided information to 7,200 community Legion’s National Americanism Commission. Posts, districts and departments expend much members across the United States. As an offi cial core partner of Operation: Military Kids, The more time, eff ort and money as they accept the challenges of sponsoring and conducting American Legion encourages departments and posts to work with and support this program Americanism activities that foster wide-ranging community service, youth development and as it contributes to the well-being of children of U.S. military personnel. educational advancement. Temporary Financial Assistance Through our Temporary Financial Assistance program, a post may call upon The American COMMISSION ON CHILDREN & YOUTH Legion for cash assistance to help meet the basic needs – shelter, food, utilities, medical – of veterans’ children when their parents are unable to do so. The veteran does not have to be Dennis R. Boland a member of The American Legion to receive assistance but must have served honorably on Florida active duty during a designated war period. Chairman Last year The American Legion granted $705,756 to veterans’ families, touching the lives of 1,462 children. These funds provided families with food, clothing and shelter, thus preserv- William A. Pease ing the integrity of the home. Indiana Director The commission is proud of our American Legion family members for their accomplishments on behalf of our country’s youth. Their eff orts in the area of child welfare are living testa- ments to the ability of free men and women to adapt themselves to evolving needs while The American Legion has been a strong advocate for the children and youth of our nation maintaining high principles and taking on increased responsibilities under them. since our founding in 1919. To date there exists no area of child welfare that has gone untouched by the collective hand of The American Legion. The American Legion has and will do everything possible to perpetuate “a square deal for every child,” our ultimate goal and defi nitive challenge in the years ahead. Our Children & Youth program has three main objectives: to strengthen the family unit; to support quality organizations that provide services for children and youth; and to maintain a well-rounded program that meets the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual needs of NATIONAL CONVENTION COMMISSION today’s young people. Children’s Miracle Network Michael E. Walton Children’s Miracle Network raises critically needed funds for 170 children’s hospitals that Illinois together treat 17 million children annually in the United States and Canada. These hospitals Chairman treat children who have all types of affl ictions and injuries, rendering service based on need rather than ability to pay. Over the past 10 years, The American Legion family has donated Richard D. Holmes more than $27 million to this worthy endeavor. Indiana Ronald McDonald House Director Ronald McDonald House serves families of seriously ill or injured children by off ering them a homelike atmosphere, regardless of the family’s ability to pay, where they can get the rest The 90th National Convention of The American Legion convened in Phoenix from Aug. 22-28, they need to be most supportive of their child. The Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab Col- 2008. National Commander Martin “Marty” Conatser of Illinois called the convention to order lection Program, adopted by The American Legion, generates funds to help off set the costs at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, welcoming Legionnaires to Phoenix and thanking them for their associated with a family’s stay while their child is receiving specialized treatment. continuing service to our country and to veterans. Also welcoming Legionnaires were the Hon. Janet Napolitano, governor of the State of Arizona; the Hon. Phil Gordon, mayor of the Youth Suicide Prevention City of Phoenix; Bruce Conklin, commander of the American Legion Department of Arizona; Suicide among young adults ages 15 to 24 continues to be the third-largest cause of death among and Neal Sundeen, president of the National Convention Corp. of Arizona. The Hon. John this age group. The suicide rate among adolescents has quadrupled since 1960. Suicide is a sense- McCain, U.S. senator from Arizona, and Dr. James B. Peake, secretary of the Department of less tragedy that is completely preventable. The American Legion actively supports prevention Veterans Aff airs, also addressed the convention. and awareness programs, and distributes a brochure titled “Warning Signs of Youth Suicide.” Guest speakers also included the Hon. Bob Filner, chairman of the House Committee on Halloween Safety Veterans Aff airs; the Hon. James Webb, U.S. senator from Virginia; the Hon. Barack Obama, As long as Halloween activities are sponsored and promoted in our various communities U.S. senator from Illinois (via satellite); and Gen. James T. Conway, commandant of the U.S. by duly appointed and elected offi cials, The American Legion believes children and parents Marine Corps. should know how to make this observance as safe as possible. To assist this eff ort, the Legion The Hon. Richard “Dick” Cheney, vice president of the United States, was a special guest, distributes a brochure titled “Make Halloween a Safe and Fun Night,” to educate children and addressing the convention Tuesday, Aug. 26. parents about trick-or-treat safety. 42 The American Legion

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Among the many highlights of the 90th National Convention were a patriotic memorial ser- At its annual meeting in October 2008, the board of directors approved $639,695 in grants to vice and the National Commander’s Banquet for Distinguished Guests at the Phoenix Conven- 18 nonprofi t organizations for projects to be completed in calendar year 2009. These grants tion Center. The country-music band Heartland entertained a crowd of approximately 2,300 were awarded to support worthwhile projects and disseminate information about them to Legionnaires and guests. Also special was The American Legion Family’s Tribute to Service at the general public and specifi c target groups. The following is a brief summary of the grants the US Airways Center, featuring the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, a performance awarded this year: by Michael Peterson, an indoor parade, and a mass enlistment/re-enlistment ceremony that American Humane Association of Englewood, Colo., received $7,020 for a project titled brought nearly 600 young Americans into the U.S. Armed Forces. “A Plan for Tyrone.” Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America of Washington received $14,351 for a Convention Commission activities project titled “Exercise-Induced Asthma Educational Program.” The National Convention Commission conducted three regular meetings during the year. Caring Kids Television of Dana Point, Calif., received $45,000 for a project titled Revisions of our request for proposal continued in 2008. This process is extremely important, “Dewey’s Teacher’s Kits.” as it provides an equal opportunity for all cities to be judged the same way during the initial review and site-visit process. Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation of Wilmette, Ill., received $40,000 for a project titled “Website Redesign and Integration.” The commission’s desire is to continue to attract new cities that desire to host an American Legion national convention, providing blue-cap Legionnaires and their families with a varied Children’s Organ Transplant Association of Bloomington, Ind., received $40,000 for a and enjoyable convention that can be shared by all on an annual basis. project titled “Miracle Makers: COTA Volunteers in Action.” For the 2014 National Convention, the National Convention Commission reviewed bids from Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America of New York received $30,000 for a project Charlotte, N.C., and New Orleans. Following site visits and after listening to formal presenta- titled “IBD Activity Book for Children.” tions from each of these fi ne cities, the National Convention Commission recommended to Huntington’s Disease Society of America of New York received $38,000 for a project the National Executive Committee that Charlotte, N.C., be awarded the 2014 National Con- titled “Comprehensive Resource Guide for Families of Children Aff ected by Juvenile Onset HD.” vention for Aug. 22-28. The National Executive Committee approved the recommendation. KidsPeace of Orefi eld, Pa., received $57,610 for a project titled “Improving Foster Care for America’s Kids: KidsPeace’s Radio Public Service Campaign.” Future conventions and dates National Autism Association of Nixa, Mo., received $15,000 for a project titled “Autism Milwaukee Aug. 27-Sept. 2, 2010 Outreach.” Minneapolis Aug. 26-Sept. 1, 2011 National CASA Association of Seattle received $46,915 for a project titled “Forgotten Indianapolis Aug. 24-30, 2012 Children Event Toolkit.” Houston Aug. 23-29, 2013 Charlotte, N.C. Aug. 22-28, 2014 National Marfan Foundation of Port Washington, N.Y., received $25,000 for a project titled “Marfan Syndrome: A Reference for Teachers.” Distinguished Guests Committee National Organization for Youth Safety of Gainesville, Va., received $58,250 for a Randall Fisher project titled “Makin’ Noise for Youth Traffi c Safety.” Kentucky Organization for Autism Research of Arlington, Va., received $40,980 for a project Chairman titled “An Autism Guide for Military Families.” The Distinguished Guests Committee exists under the umbrella of the National Convention Our Military Kids, Inc., of McLean, Va., received $48,800 for a project titled “Our Military Commission. Responsibilities include the coordination of activities for all distinguished Kids Informational Materials Phase III.” guests invited to attend the national convention. The committee oversees arrangements for The Progeria Research Foundation of Peabody, Mass., received $15,680 for a project each guest’s arrival and departure, and assists with credentials, agendas and other details. titled “Progeria Medical Assistance Packet.” RAND Corp. of Santa Monica, Calif., received $10,089 for a project titled “Dissemination AMERICAN LEGION CHILD WELFARE of CBITS Adaptions Manual and Implementation Guidelines.” FOUNDATION, INC. Reach Out and Read of Boston received $57,000 for a project titled “Reach Out and Read in the Military Initiative.” Dennis R. Boland ZERO TO THREE of Washington received $50,000 for a project titled “Coming Together Florida Around Military Families.” President During 2008, donations exceeded $698,508, with more than $332,425 coming from Sons of The American Legion. Robert K. Caudell Members of The American Legion family are the primary contributors to the success and Indiana growth of the Child Welfare Foundation. Each member and local organization is encouraged Executive Secretary to make an annual contribution in support of the foundation. Your support allows CWF to continue funding projects that improve the quality of life for our nation’s children. Every In 1954, The American Legion endorsed the separate incorporation of The American Legion dollar given to the foundation is used for grants that assist young people. Child Welfare Foundation. Since then, the foundation has granted more than $9 million to At a board of directors meeting in Indianapolis on May 3, the following offi cers were elected: nonprofi t youth-oriented organizations. Grants are awarded solely for the following two Dennis R. Boland of Florida, president; Peggy Moon of Minnesota, vice president; Roger purposes: N. Messier of Virginia, secretary; and Robert Turner of Georgia, treasurer. Administrative • To contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children and youth personnel appointed by the board were George A. Buskirk Jr., assistant treasurer, and Robert through the dissemination of knowledge about new and innovative organizations and/or K. Caudell, executive secretary. programs designed to benefi t youth; and Under the 1969 Tax Reform Act, the Child Welfare Foundation retains its tax-exempt status. • To contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children and youth Gifts, therefore, are deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent permitted by through the dissemination of knowledge already possessed by established organizations, to law, and bequests are deductible for federal inheritance tax purposes to the extent permit- the end that such information can be more adequately used by society. ted by the Federal Tax Act. 91st National Convention 43

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NATIONAL ECONOMIC COMMISSION Post-9/11 GI Bill Another area of advocacy for the National Economic Commission has been the passage Daniel M. Dellinger of major enhancements to the Montgomery GI Bill. The Post-9/11 Veterans Education Virginia Assistance Act was signed into law June 30, 2008, and is scheduled for implementation Chairman Aug. 1, 2009. Four very diff erent education programs will soon exist: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve and the Reserve Educational Joseph C. Sharpe Jr. Assistance Program. The new GI Bill’s benefi ts include: District of Columbia • Four-year tuition up to the cost of the most expensive public university in each state. Director • Monthly housing stipend based on cost of living at each school. • 15 years after discharge to take advantage of their college funding. The National Economic Commission and its two standing subcommittees – Employment, and Veterans Preference and Other Economic Matters – are responsible for ensuring that U.S. • Transfer of education benefi t to a spouse and/or children for re-enlisting servicemembers. veterans have the opportunity to provide, with honor and dignity, the economic necessi- Another benefi t of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the Yellow Ribbon Program, by which private colleges ties of life for themselves and their families. In order to achieve this goal, the commission and universities can enter into agreements with VA to waive up to half of tuition and fees charged and its committees work closely with government, non-governmental organizations and above the most costly state-run school. VA, in turn, will match the waived amount, thereby private-sector agencies. These include the Department of Labor (DoL), the Department of enhancing school reimbursements and the value of the new GI Bill. This program is also available Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Veterans Aff airs, the Small Busi- to veterans going through a graduate program or seeking out-of-state tuition and fees. ness Administration (SBA), the Offi ce of Personnel Management (OPM), Monster.com, Cisco During an afternoon session at the Washington Conference, VA representatives discussed the Technologies and Northrop Grumman. Post-9/11 GI Bill and its implementation. Currently, VA is on course to meet its obligation of The National Economic Commission spearheaded The American Legion’s eff orts to provide vet- implementing this new education benefi t by Aug. 1, 2009. VA has met with numerous col- erans with a new education benefi t, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, This commission also works to provide leges anduniversities, servicemembers, veterans and veteran service organizations to update new employment and business opportunities, and fi ghts to end homelessness among veterans. all stakeholders on this process. National Economic Commission Forum The American Legion has been working with VA’s education service offi ce to ensure that VA is adequately prepared for the Aug. 1 rollout of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Legion will also con- Commission members and guests met to hear the latest on subjects of concern to them. The tinue working with VA’s outreach management team to ensureservicemembers and veterans agenda included four panels of speakers from a variety of agencies and disciplines, all with have the necessary information concerning their new education benefi t. the mission of assisting veterans. Veterans Employment/Training Service (DoL) panelists in- cluded Gordon Burke Jr, director of Operations and Programs; Pamela Langley, chief, Employ- Veteran Entrepreneurship ment and Training Programs Division; Kenan Torrens;, chief, Investigation and Compliance The commission’s Small Business Task Force sponsored its Annual Mid-Winter Conference Division; W. William Off utt, executive director, HireVetsFirst Campaign; and James Arrington, Small Business Development Workshop and Seminar Series. More than 200 veteran busines- Veterans Employment Specialist REALifelines. sowners registered for the event, and more than 100 participated. Veterans traveled from as The Seamless Transition (VA) panelists included Keith Pedigo, associate deputy undersecre- far away as Texas, Hawaii, North Carolina, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. tary, Offi ce of Policy and Program Management; Ruth Fanning, director, Vocational Rehabili- Top experts from the private and federal sectors provided veterans with information on how tation and Employment; Keith Wilson, director, Education Service; Judy Caden, director, Loan to start and maintain successful businesses. Also, veterans heard pertinent information on Guarantee Service; and Pete Dougherty, director, Homeless Veterans Program. how to eff ectively penetrate the federal marketplace. The free one-day workshop included The Transition Assistance Program of Walter Reed panelists included Terry Quattlebaum, TAP representatives from the Department of the Treasury, the Small Business Administration, chief; Dennis Stone, CEO, Tec Access; Doris Brown, director,; Avue Technologies; Bob Skladany, the Government Service Administration, PNC Bank and the Northeast Veterans Business CEO, RetirementJobs.com; and Amy Reich, director, Cisco Technologies. Resource Center. Veteran Outreach Resources panelists included Vince Patton, vice president, Monster.com; The commission’s Small Business Task Force has been extremely active and eff ective this past Patricia Orsini, director, Wounded Warrior program on Capitol Hill; Karen Hannah, DoD year. Membership includes veterans from government and private industry, and is dedicated human resources specialist; Thomas Cantwell, Rebuilding Together; and Sue Cheng, Housing to creating a favorable climate for veteran businessowners and veteran entrepreneurship. Counseling Services. Throughout the year, staff members from the Economic and Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation Homelessness prepared and delivered testimony for congressional committees on subjects of vital interest to the commission, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veteran-owned small businesses, transi- At the 49th Annual Washington Conference, The American Legion Homeless Task Force tion from DoD to DoL-VETS, the DoL-VETS budget, and VA services for vocational rehabilita- conducted a homeless veterans providers workshop and meeting that included key players tion, education and home loans, and veterans preference in federal hiring. in housing and homeless prevention. Theydiscussed how better serve homeless veterans and their families. VA estimates there are nearly 154,000 homeless veterans on any given The American Legion has formal memorandums of understanding with RecruitMilitary, Avue night. Approximately 300,000 veterans will experience homelessness during the year. The Technologies and Military.com, giving it a presence at veterans career fairs around the country. fi scal 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act included $75 million for the HUD-VASH program, The purpose is to educate veterans regarding their benefi ts, providing them outlets for employ- allowing allowed HUD and VA to provide 10,000 supportive incremental housing vouchers ment and promoting The American Legion. This is an extremely important opportunity to make available to homeless veterans. Looking ahead to fi scal 2009 funding for veterans permanent a positive impact on veterans and our organization. The American Legion will participate in housing, HUD has requested another $75 million for up to 10,000 additional vouchers for more than 90 career fairs in 2009 conducted through our national partnerships. the HUD-VASH program. The taskforce made recommendations and planned for 2009, with Additionally, each department Employment chairman organizes participation in local job an emphasis on increased nationwide involvement of the Homeless Veterans department fairs (other than our two national partners). Job duties, expectation instructions and fl yers chairmen, as well as training and volunteer eff orts. accompany approximately 1,000 educational brochures from The American Legion for each The American Legion coordinates a Homeless Veterans Task Force amongst its 55 depart- job fair. Educational material is sent automatically to departments associated with Military. ments. Our goal is to augment existing homeless veterans providers, VA’s Network Homeless com and RecruitMilitary, and per individual request. Coordinators, DoL’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Programs, Veterans Workforce Economic Division staff of the is also deeply involved in advisory committees. Director Joseph Investment program, Disabled Veterans Outreach Personnel and Local Veterans Employment Sharpe is a member of VA’s Education Advisory Committee, DoL’s Veterans Advisory Commit- Representatives. tee and the SBA’s Veterans Advisory Committee. Deputy Director Mark Walker is a contributor to VA’s Homeless Advisory Committee. 44 The American Legion

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plans previously off ered by The American Legion and is assigned to the National Finance The commission’s Awards Subcommittee met to select winners in the Employer of Commission. Veterans and Employment Service awards categories. Winners include: The American Legion Insurance Program supports several national programs that are among SMALL EMPLOYER EMPLOYER OF OLDER WORKERS the most prominent and visible activities of The American Legion. The programs are listed Millennium Security Service, LLC Maule Air, Inc. below with the corresponding funding for 2009. Georgia Georgia • American Legion Baseball, $539,342 MEDIUM EMPLOYER LOCAL VETERANS EMPLOYMENT • National Oratorical Contest, $313,533 Industrial Maintenance Services, Inc. REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR • Junior Uniformed Musical Groups, $38,000 for participation at the national convention Michigan Michael Dembowski, New York • Boys Nation, $191,625 LARGE EMPLOYER DISABLED VETERANS OUTREACH • Boy Scout of The Year Scholarship Award, $17,500. An award of $2,500 per year up to four Lear Seigler, EG&G Division, URS Corp. PERSONNEL OF THE YEAR years, not to exceed $10,000, for pursuit of a course of study beyond high school. Three Texas Steve Lord, Idaho second-place awards of $2,500 each are also granted. EMPLOYER OF THE DISABLED EMPLOYMENT LOCAL OFFICE These requests for grants are approved by The American Legion Insurance Committee, the Black Hills Service, Inc. WorkSource (Southside) Career Center National Finance Commission and National Executive Committee. South Dakota Florida Birthday Life Whole Life Insurance The Birthday Life whole life plan is currently unavailable for new coverage. Union Fidelity NATIONAL FINANCE COMMISSION Life Insurance Co. terminated its agreement with The American Legion eff ective Dec. 31, 2005. All current policyholders will still receive the service they were accustomed to from Kenneth D. Danilson Union Fidelity . Iowa Requests for Birthday Life information for policyholders should be directed to Administra- Chairman tor, Union Fidelity Life Insurance Co., 500 Virginia Drive, Fort Washington, PA 19034, or call 1-800-621-0393. George A. Buskirk Jr. Our current insurance broker is in the process of obtaining new insurance carriers to provide Indiana various insurances to members and their families. To inquire about the availability of insurance, National Treasurer call our new administrator, DRIASI, at 1-866-329-1769.

Shawn T. Long Indiana Director Condensed Report on National Emblem Sales Division Alvan T. Fuller The primary obligation of the Finance Commission is to prepare a yearly budget for the Massachusetts National Executive Committee, handle funds under that budget, and exercise reasonable Chairman oversight to see that the various divisions and departments of the national organization Richard B. Keith operate within appropriations. The Finance Commission includes seven members, with the Indiana national adjutant as ex-offi cio secretary and the national commander and national treasurer Director as ex-offi cio members. Also attending these meetings are the executive directors of the Washington and Indianapolis offi ces, and the fi nance director and NEC liaison observers. The American Legion emblem is the exclusive property of the National Headquarters. The The national organization had a consolidated operating surplus of $4,530,800 for 2008. sale of the emblem, emblem pins, merchandise carrying the emblem and other items of We received $13.50 dues per member, allocating $10.50 to the general fund and $3 to The organizational equipment is the responsibility of the The American Legion National Head- American Legion Magazine. quarters in Indianapolis. The following tables show gross sales, net earnings, etc., for the Income of the national organization derives from annual membership dues, interest on entire calendar year 2008 and for the fi rst three months of 2009. investments, magazine advertisements, Emblem Sales, contributions and other approved activities. Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2008 (12 months) Gross sales $10,681,935 A full fi nancial statement is incorporated in the auditor’s report. Your attention is also Cost of goods sold 5,762,732 directed to the Reports of Committees and Trusts, also found in this publication. Overhead 3,403,098 Entities include The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.; The American Legion Operating profi t 1,516,105 Endowment Fund Corp.; The American Legion Life Insurance and Trust Committee; The American Total number of orders processed in 2008: 98,596 Legion Emblem Committee; and The American Legion Overseas Graves Decoration Trust. Jan. 1 to March 31, 2009 (3 months) The American Legion Insurance Committee Gross sales $ 2,488,599 Kevin J. Bartlett Cost of goods sold 1,335,404 Michigan Overhead 796,358 Chairman Operating profi t 356,837 G. Paul Dunn Total orders processed in fi rst three months of 2009: 20,299 Oklahoma Member Benefi ts Administrator The American Legion Insurance Committee provides oversight for the several insurance

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FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMISSION Foreign Relations Commission Chairman Mike Helm led the business session by discussing pro- posed resolutions and the challenges facing the United States concerning international aff airs. Michael D. Helm Following Helm’s remarks, Joseph Grassi, assistant director of National Security and Foreign Nebraska Relations, made a presentation outlining President Obama’s stated foreign-relations agenda Chairman and his administration’s related strategies. These strategies addressed such topics as responsibly ending the Iraq war, fi nishing the fi ght against the Taliban and al-Qaeda, securing weapons and Philip D. Riley related technology from terrorists and rogue nations, and building international diplomacy. District of Columbia Congressional testimony Director On April 2, Philip D. Riley, director, testifi ed before a congressional committee on POW/MIA aff airs, on behalf of The American Legion. In addition to pressing the elected leadership for The Foreign Relations Commission supports The American Legion’s objectives concerning in- increased funding for the POW/MIA mission, Riley also urged Congress to consider establish- ternational aff airs. The commission works to cultivate diplomacy and establish international ing a joint standing committee on POW and MIA aff airs in accordance with American Legion relations to benefi t national interests, POW/MIA aff airs, freedom, humanitarian assistance, resolutions. He testifi ed further by explaining that a joint standing committee – as opposed human rights and peace. to a temporary select committee – is necessary to conduct meaningful investigations of all The commission conducts meetings and programs throughout the year to keep the member- unresolved matters pertaining to the POW/MIA issue. ship fully informed on current foreign-policy issues. In addition, the commission through National Executive Committee Fall, Spring Meetings its speaker program encourages debate and discussion on key foreign-relations topics with government representatives and policy experts. In the National Executive Committee’s Fall Meetings, the commission reviewed a resolution supporting funding for the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHIN- The commission encourages bipartisan development of foreign policies. The American SEC) and channeled it to approval. At the Spring Meetings, commission members conducted Legion works with congressional committees and agencies within the Department of State business sessions to expedite proposed resolutions and other important issues within the throughout the year. The commission generates and promotes legislation and policies that commission’s purview. are in keeping with established resolutions adopted by Legion membership. Resolutions Resolutions adopted by the Foreign Relations Commission at the 90th National Convention in INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMISSION Phoenix reaffi rmed the commission’s commitment to obtaining a full accounting of U.S. POWs and MIAs, spreading freedom and human rights throughout the world, promoting world peace, Larry J. Besson and addressing international issues concerning veterans and their families. The commission Illinois demonstrated this by renewing a slate of 29 resolutions with legislative intent, including: Chairman Resolution 161: POW/MIA Policies Calls on the U.S. government to provide suffi cient personnel and resources so that investiga- John W. Querfeld tive eff orts of World War II, Cold War, and Korean War POW/MIA situations can be broadened Illinois and accelerated; provide necessary resources so fi eld operations can be conducted at a Director maximum rate of activity with more timely follow-up of live sighting reports; and declassify all POW/MIA information (except that revealing intelligence sources or methods) in a form The National Internal Aff airs Commission was established by resolution of the National readily available to public review. Executive Committee in 1947. The original charge for this constitutional commission still re- Resolution 167: Foreign Policy Objectives mains: to formulate and recommend policies, and to oversee the implementation of adopted policies relating to activities conducted for organizational purposes. Supports foreign-policy objectives that include recognition that the United States has great and multiple responsibilities as a leader of the free world; dedication to achieving world Among those purposes are all those not properly the responsibility of any other national peace with freedom, secured by a peace-through-strength posture; and support for a global commission, as well as membership strategies, post formation, clerical and records admin- fi ght on multiple fronts to end the scourge of terrorism. istration for posts and individual members, and special projects. The commission provides guidance and assistance to the national adjutant on necessary administrative operations. Resolution 170: Enhanced Funding for USAID Under the broad interpretation of those purposes not properly the responsibility of other Supports policies and legislation that enhance funding for the U.S. Agency for International commissions, Internal Aff airs oversees awards, constitutional discipline and commemora- Development. tive activities. The commission also monitors legislative and other regulatory activities that 2009 Washington Conference potentially aff ect American Legion posts and departments, recommending appropriate courses of action. The Foreign Relations Commission met in a joint session with the National Security Commis- sion on March 2, and convened for its business session on March 4, during the 49th Annual The commission has four standing committees assigned to it for supervision and coordina- Washington Conference at the Renaissance Hotel. tion: Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials; Resolutions Assignment; Constitution & By-Laws; and Membership & Post Activities. The latter has separate reporting responsibilities to the Four speakers addressed the joint session: John J. Norris Jr., deputy assistant secretary for national convention and the National Executive Committee. East Asian Aff airs, Department of State; Jerry Johnson, Physical Evaluation Board representa- tive, The American Legion, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; and Energy Panel speakers Internal Aff airs is responsible for overseeing and reviewing the activities of Sons of The Anne Korin, chairwoman, Set America Free, and Edwin Black, the award-winning, New York American Legion, which is a major program and not a separate organization. The commis- Times best-selling author of “Internal Combustion” and “The Plan.” Brig. Gen. Reuben D. Jones sion also oversees long-term programs and activities as Paid-Up-For-Life and the National was also scheduled to speak but was unable to appear due to inclement weather. Emergency Fund. The joint afternoon session featured an expert panel on POW/MIA issues, including Maj. One of our newer programs, currently growing, is American Legion Riders. This is a great Bob Brenzel, U.S. Air Force, chief, Vietnam War Working Group, Joint Commission Support venue for us to reach out to veterans who are not yet members of our ranks. For more Directive, Defense POW/Missing Personnel Offi ce, and Ann Mills Griffi ths, executive director, information on Legion Riders, and how it can benefi t your post or department, visit www. National League of POW/MIA Families. legion.org/legionriders.

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Trophies, Awards and Ceremonials to face day-to-day membership challenges with a better understanding of the Legion as it Randall W. Busch relates to potential members. Nebraska The workshop’s goal is to provide these essential membership workers with the tools, knowl- Chairman edge and desire to increase The American Legion’s membership. Whether they are involved This committee supervises all offi cial national awards and recommends to the National Execu- in membership recruitment or program implementation, the workshop teaches veterans to tive Committee recipients for the Distinguished Service Medal. Over the years, some of those help veterans and provide communities the essential programs to maintain a quality of life awarded The American Legion’s highest honor have been Gen. John J. Pershing, Ignace Jan for which all veterans fought and served to preserve. Paderewski of Poland, Henry Ford, Ernie Pyle, Bob Hope, Babe Ruth, Dr. Jonas E. Salk, Bishop New Post Development/Revitalization Fulton J. Sheen, the dead and missing of the Vietnam War, 10 U.S. presidents of the 20th cen- The Membership & Post Activities Committee developed a training program in January 1996 tury, and many other citizens of renown who have made lasting and signifi cant contributions. designed to assist posts, districts and departments in developing and revitalizing posts. The pro- Other awards for which Internal Aff airs makes recommendations include the International gram provides training workshops to interested volunteers, along with practical fi eld application. Amity Award and the Canadian Friendship Award. The commission also prepares a report for The success of the program is evident, based on the revitalization and development of more the National Executive Committee on miscellaneous awards presented each year. than 1,0000 American Legion posts in the past 13 years. Eff orts have now expanded into urban Finally, the committee supervises the contents of the Offi cer’s Guide and Manual of Ceremo- areas. Many departments have succeeded in revitalizing posts without any actual assistance nies of The American Legion. from National Headquarters staff . Whether departments requests fi eld assistance or just send Resolutions Assignment members to the training workshop, positive results follow if they adhere to guidelines. C. Wayne Schrader All departments are encouraged to participate in this program. However, success requires Illinois a commitment from every level of leadership. For more information about the New Post Chairman Development/Revitalization program, contact your department. Otherwise, write to The American Legion, Membership Division, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206, call (317) The Resolutions Assignment Committee meets at least three days before the national convention 630-1321, or e-mail [email protected]. convenes. This committee has the responsibility to receive, consider and transmit all resolutions – with or without recommendation – to the appropriate convention committee for a report to Reconnect the convention. During an average year, between 200 and 300 resolutions will be assigned. The Reconnect program is a Department of Defense initiative to “reconnect” Americans with Constitution & By-Laws today’s military. Reconnect is also an open invitation from the U.S. military for organizations Vincent Gaughan such as The American Legion to strengthen ties between the total force – active duty, Na- Illinois tional Guard and reserve components – and the civilian community. This is not a free ticket Chairman to recruit; rather, it is an opportunity for The American Legion to showcase our programs and services. Legionnaires should attend Reconnect events with an attitude of serving U.S. mili- The national constitution and by-laws of The American Legion can only be amended by the tary members and their families, and promoting the military in the local community. Success duly elected delegates at a national convention. depends on the participation of American Legion departments and the cooperation of local However, the Constitution & By-Laws Committee, established by the authority of the National posts in communities near military installations and National Guard and reserve units. Executive Committee in 1939, authorizes this committee to study and make proper recom- While Reconnect visits to larger installations are important for public relations, thousands of mendations concerning all matters that pertain to the constitution and by-laws, as well as local National Guard and reserve units need The American Legion’s assistance too. Because matters relating to the Uniform Code of Procedure, which provides rules and regulations for the of the war on terrorism, the Guard and reserves are playing a much larger role in national revocation, cancellation or suspension of department and post charters of The American Legion. defense than any other time in U.S. history. These men and women, with their families, are Membership & Post Activities Committee citizen soldiers who do not always have established military support networks readily avail- Dale Barnett able to them. The American Legion can fi ll this void. Georgia For more information about the Reconnect program, contact the Internal Aff airs Division at Chairman (317) 630-1321 or [email protected]. Billy R. Johnson Direct Renewal Georgia Membership Director The Direct Renewal Program is a uniform, organized and simple way to invite members to renew their membership in The American Legion using a direct-mail system. This program has Membership and programs work together to make The American Legion an organization been successful and eff ective, and has been funded at no cost to participating departments and able to provide people and resources to serve the needs of veterans and their families. posts since the early 1970s. Membership & Post Activities is pleased to report a continuing membership of nearly 2.6 million members worldwide. A total of fi ve notices are sent during the year: July, October, January, March and May. Direct Membership Solicitation Membership Since 1982, the Direct Membership Solicitation (DMS) program has brought 3.13 million new Final 2007 membership 2,629,364 members into American Legion departments. Obviously, DMS is successful in acquiring new members, but again this year, the emphasis will be on the transfer, renewal and retention of Final 2008 membership 2,591,732 those members. DMS will continue to support The American Legion’s ongoing membership 2009 membership as of Aug. 1, 2009 (projected) 2,400,000 eff orts with a special emphasis on the retention of all members. Membership Campaign Promotion 46th Annual National Membership Workshop The National Membership Awards Program annually distributes more than 65,000 various The 46th Annual National Membership Workshop convened in Indianapolis on July 31, with awards to recognize membership accomplishments at all levels of the organization. The more than 300 department and district offi cers from nearly all 55 departments in attendance. promotion plan for the National Membership Campaign is formulated during the annual planning session of the Membership & Post Activities Committee in Indianapolis in January. Many who attend already have a good understanding of The American Legion’s membership Following are point achievers for 2008-2009: program, especially as it pertains to their departments and districts. 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Early Bird/NEF Kickoff (Sept. 10, 2008) – Forty-eight departments qualifi ed for the Gold Brigade Recruiter Award – A Legionnaire who recruited 50 or more new members 50-percent target date: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, by May 13 qualifi es for enrollment in the elite Gold Brigade of The American Legion. Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Post Honor Ribbons – Post Honor Ribbons were shipped to 1,206 posts whose 2009 Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mis- membership as of Dec. 31, 2008, exceeded their fi nal 2008 membership. sissippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Certifi cate of Meritorious Service – These certifi cates were awarded to 183 posts for Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, attaining a new all-time-high membership for 2009 by Dec. 31, 2008. South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Five Consecutive Years All-Time-High – These citations are awarded to posts with fi ve or Fall Meetings (Oct. 8, 2008) – Forty-nine departments qualifi ed for the 55-percent target more consecutive years of all-time-high membership in 2009. date: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Race to the Top Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, District commanders are the linchpin of The American Legion’s chain of command, serving as Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North a vital link between the national and department organizations and all posts. The local post Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, is where the “rubber meets the road.” If it doesn’t happen at the post level, it doesn’t happen South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. at all. District commanders are the people charged with ensuring all posts in their districts Veterans Day (Nov. 14, 2008) – Fifty departments qualifi ed for the 65-percent target date: maintain their vitality. Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Consequently, this unique award was created to provide a meaningful incentive for the fi ve Florida, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, top district commanders in each category and reward their successful membership eff orts. Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Winning district commanders and their guests receive: Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, • The privilege of being distinguished guests of the national commander at the 91st National Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Convention in Louisville, Ky. Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. • First-class hotel accommodations for four nights at the convention location. Pearl Harbor Day (Dec. 10, 2008) – Thirty-fi ve departments qualifi ed for the 75-percent target date: Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, France, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, • Legion caps signifying they are Race to the Top winners. Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Competition is divided into fi ve categories based on district membership without regard to Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, geographic locations. District commanders competed in each of the following categories based Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, on the fi nal 2008 totals, and a top district commander for the national award was selected from West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. each of the fi ve categories. Second- and third-place awards were also presented in each category. Mid-Winter (Jan. 14, 2009) – Twenty-nine departments qualifi ed for the 80-percent Category I Districts of 15 to 1,499 members target date: Delaware, France, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachu- Category II Districts of 1,500 to 2,999 members setts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Category III Districts of 3,000 to 4,999 members New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Category IV Districts of 5,000 to 7,499 members Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Category V Districts of 7,500 or more members Presidents Day (Feb. 11, 2009) – Twenty-eight departments qualifi ed for the 85-percent target date: Delaware, France, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Trips to the national convention were awarded to the top district commander and spouse in Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New each category whose district membership on March 31 represented the greatest percentage York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Vermont, over the fi nal previous year membership of that district; it could not be less than 100 percent Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. to qualify. The fi rst-place award entitled the winner and guest to a trip to the 91st National Convention in Louisville, Ky., and fi rst-class hotel accommodations. Legion Birthday (March 11, 2009) – Seventeen departments qualifi ed for the 90-percent target date: Delaware, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Second-place awards were presented to the district commander in each category whose Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Vermont, West district membership on March 31 represented the second-highest percentage over the fi nal Virginia, Wisconsin. previous year membership of that district; it could not be less than 100 percent to qualify. Winners received a $500 check. Big Twelve winners Third-place awards were presented to the district commander in each category whose Category I Minnesota, Pennsylvania district membership on March 31 represented the third-highest percentage over the fi nal Category II Wisconsin, Michigan previous year membership of that district; it could not be less than 100 percent to qualify. Category III Iowa, Nebraska Winners received a $375 check. Category IV None qualifi ed Category V Maine, South Dakota Category VI Puerto Rico Children & Youth (April 8, 2009) – Two departments qualifi ed for the 95-percent target Louisville’s Only Authentic date: Iowa, Maine. Gourmet Italian Restaurant Armed Forces Day (May 13, 2009) – One department qualifi ed for the 100-percent target date: Not yet determined. Delegate Strength (July 29, 2009) – Delegate strength is determined by the membership in the hands of the national treasurer 30 days prior to the national convention. Total number of delegates for each department is based on fi ve delegates at large, one delegate for each 1,000 AD members or major fraction thereof, and the members of the National Executive Committee. Department Commander of the Year – Any department commander who met or exceeded his or her 100-percent goal for 2009 by May 13 will receive a plaque recognizing 150 South Fifth St. | 502.580.1350 the achievement at the national convention in Louisville, Ky. www.VincenzosItalianRestaurant.com 48 The American Legion

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This year’s winners SAL also supports the National Emergency Fund and the Children’s Miracle Network, as well First place (trip to 91st National Convention) as other vital programs. As an integral part of The American Legion family, the Sons continue to serve and provide assistance to posts and their communities. Category I Ralph Dial New Mexico District 3 132.22% Category II Randy Brown North Carolina District 14 111.76% National Emergency Fund Category III Werner “Rick” Hoglund Georgia District 3 108.53% From Jan. 1, 2008, through April 2009, the Legion granted $593,560 to Legion and SAL Category IV Lynne Rollins Georgia District 9 102.99% members, as well as to American Legion posts. During the same period, the NEF received Category V None qualifi ed donations exceeding $478,565. Last year ended, and this year opened, with fl ooding, wild- Second place ($500 check) fi res and tornado activity. Spring and summer were expected to bring more harsh weather. Including last year’s grants, total monies awarded since the NEF was reinstated in 1989 equal Category I Glen Borg North Carolina District 8 125.86% just over $6.8 million. Category II Tom Bishop Virginia District 13 106.29% Category III Jim Ramon Florida District 4 100.13% More than $2.3 million is available in the National Emergency Fund. Approximately $375,000 Category IV Kenneth G. Whitman Delaware District 4 100.83% is disbursed in grants to members in a normal year. Each and every dollar contributed to the Category V None qualifi ed fund is used for the express purpose of rendering fi nancial assistance to Legionnaires, SAL members or American Legion posts that incur devastation from a declared natural disaster Third place ($375 check) (i.e., wind, rain, fi re and earthquakes). The grants are to be used for immediate needs – Category I Ken Knudson Montana District 8 105.93% lodging, food and clothing – and not as a substitute for insurance. Members must have Category II Ronald W. Parshall California District 10 105.79% been displaced from their primary place of residence to apply for funds. Monies to support Category III None qualifi ed the administrative costs of maintaining this fund and to conduct fundraising are absorbed Category IV None qualifi ed through existing budget areas. Category V None qualifi ed What makes the NEF unique is that members know they can turn to The American Legion for immediate fi nancial assistance without the red tape or repayment requirements normally District Commander New Post Achievement Award recipients – District commanders associated with other federal and state agencies. Through the generosity of American Legion who succeed in creating new American Legion posts in their respective districts and had the and SAL members, the National Emergency Fund will continue to meet the needs of our new posts’ temporary charter application on fi le at National Headquarters by May 13 qualify Legion family in the aftermath of local, state and national disasters. for a framed certifi cate of recognition. To apply for an NEF grant or to make a donation, contact the program coordinator at (317) District Commander Achievement Award With District Honor Ribbon – All district 630-1321 or go to www.legion.org/veterans/assistance/nef. commanders whose May target date membership exceeds the previous year’s membership Consolidated Post Reports by at least the number of posts in that district are awarded the District Commander Achieve- The Consolidated Post Report – one of The American Legion’s most valuable documents – is ment framed certifi cate. In addition, the district will receive a District Honor Ribbon for its our report card to Congress. It provides a summary of the collective assistance provided to district colors. the nation from our American Legion posts. Nearly 59 percent of American Legion posts Department Recruiter of the Year – Each American Legion post had an opportunity to submitted reports to National Headquarters for the 2007-2008 year. submit the name of a top recruiter who has signed up the highest number of new members Total fi gures show the cost to outfi t color guards, fi ring squads and other uniformed groups for the 2009 membership year by May 13. Department adjutants determined the top re- was $2,522,019. American Legion Baseball team support cost $6,965,014. Cash contribu- cruiter for their respective departments and certifi ed their department recruiter to National tions to VAVS totalled $2,387,806, with 999,230 hours of volunteer services provided. Legion Headquarters on or before May 28. posts sponsored 2,023 Boy Scouts units, reaching 53,486 Scouts at a cost of $1,670,051. Department recruiters properly certifi ed from each department will be awarded plaques Finally, posts awarded 7,704 scholarships presented, collectively valued at $4,115,863. with their accomplishments inscribed thereon. In addition, Legionnaires spent 3,416,945 hours performing community service work, valued National Recruiter of the Year – The Legionnaire certifi ed with the highest number at $6,875,871. They also gave 94,395 pints of blood. Millions more in dollars and goods went of new members recruited among all the departments is declared National Recruiter of to programs helping veterans and their families. the Year. The winner received an all-expenses-paid trip to the 91st National Convention in These facts and fi gures represent the work of just over half of all American Legion posts. Louisville, Ky. What if all posts submitted a report? What are the true numbers? Sons of The American Legion Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) Sons of The American Legion will conduct its 38th National Convention at the Kentucky These Legionnaires have voluntarily chosen to become Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) members International Convention Center in Louisville. under the national plan. The number of Legionnaires who have applied for PUFL member- For the 35th consecutive year, Sons of The American Legion are at an all-time high in ships since the program began in 1975 exceeds 500,000, and there are 220,000 currently membership. SAL closed its membership at the end of 2008 with a record 327,598 members. participating. This number represents a 1.9-percent percent increase over the previous year. A total of 38 Each Paid-Up-For-Life member receives a permanent plastic card, as well as an annual paper detachments achieved 100-percent membership. membership card, directly from National Headquarters, to verify continuing membership in The membership numbers for the 2009 year is expected to exceed for the 2008 membership The American Legion. The annual card is mailed in May of each year. year. By August 2009, SAL will have surpassed the 2008 fi nal membership fi gures, giving it The cost of a Paid-Up-For-Life membership is based on the member’s age at the time another all-time high for 2009. of application and the current annual dues of the post. An applicant may pay by check, SAL continues to support American Legion programs and the VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) MasterCard, VISA, Discover or American Express. Also, a member may use the time payment program. In 2008, SAL provided 277,782 volunteer hours in VA homes and hospitals. Dona- plan to purchase a national Paid-Up-For-Life membership. No interest and no service charges tions in cash and goods to these veterans was $1,460,135 nationwide. Other projects include are added to the fee. Americanism programs, of which $1,857,474 was donated along with 491,529 hours of Contact your post adjutant or fi nance offi cer for more information, or go to www.legion.org. service. This is remarkable, considering only 20 percent of squadrons submitted reports. SAL also raised $332,426 for the Child Welfare Foundation in 2008, surpassing all previous years. Troop Support Services (TS2) It also provided several grants through The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, to Troop Support Services has three programs: Reconnect, Family Support Network and which SAL has contributed more than $3 million. Welcome Home. The handy, condensed TS2 brochure is a pocket resource directory for both 91st National Convention 49

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U.S. troops and their families, packed with important information and contact telephone NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION numbers, Web sites and e-mail addresses. It also includes a wallet card with abbreviated information to carry during deployment so the main resource guide can remain at home with James E. Koutz the family. Indiana Our goal is to encourage American Legion posts to get a TS2 pocket guide into the hands of Chairman every member of the U.S. Armed Forces, so they will have all the information they might need on short notice. Steve Robertson When a post orders pocket directories for a unit deployment event, sponsorship ceremony or Louisiana welcome-home ceremony, National Headquarters prints labels with post contact informa- Director tion to be placed on every guide so the servicemember and family have a point of contact in the local community. The American Legion is there for our men and women in uniform, and The purpose of the National Legislative Commission is to promote the legislative mandates their families, before, during and after deployment. For more information, contact Denise of The American Legion before Congress. These mandates are dictated by resolutions Lhamon at (317) 630-1205, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.legion.org/national/ adopted at either a national convention or meetings of the National Executive Committee. supporttroops/ts2orders. Neither the Legislative Commission nor its staff can make policy decisions. The American Legion’s legislative portfolio covers a large spectrum of issues, such as the INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY global war on terrorism, juvenile delinquency, veterans employment and education, military preparedness, immigration, fl ag protection and veterans health care. The American Legion’s mandates are promoted by oral and written testimony at congressional hearings, Jeff rey O. Brown writing and mailing thousands of letters, and lobbying Congress through countless hours of Indiana telephone calls and meetings. The National Legislative Council, the Auxiliary and Sons of The Executive Director American Legion are critical components in the Legion’s grassroots lobbying eff orts. Brad Pryor On June 30, 2008, President Bush signed Public Law 110-252, the Supplemental Appropria- Indiana tions Act for 2008. In addition to providing funding for the global war on terrorism through Director June 2009, the new law also incorporates new and updated provisions for the Montgomery GI Bill. This measure assures veteran benefi ciaries a chance at a free four-year degree. The Information Technology Division (IT) is responsible for many processes critical to the This GI Bill – the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 – is much closer to operations of The American Legion. IT staff play a key role in the selection and maintenance the spirit of the original 1944 GI Bill of Rights. For active-duty servicemembers, P.L. 110-252 of all hardware and software used by National Headquarters. gets rid of current enrollment requirements, replacing them with language mandating active service in the military since Sept. 11, 2001, for partial GI Bill benefi ts. Anyone who has served E-mail, Internet access, fi le servers, telephone systems, desktop and laptop computers, on active duty since then is eligible for four years of tuition costs at an in-state university, network security and the data communications structure linking the Indianapolis and plus an additional $1,000 each month for housing and living expenses. Each year, veterans Washington offi ces are all responsibilities of the IT Division. will also be eligible for $1,200 in tutoring services and $1,000 to cover books and supplies. IT is also responsible for the computer systems housing The American Legion’s membership Altogether, the benefi t could top more than $25,000 a year in the most expensive states. In database. IT keeps the national database current by adding new members, updating ad- a change from previous GI Bill programs, the tuition funds earned by the participants will be dresses and maintaining other information about current members. These same services are sent directly to the educational institution. also provided for American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion and the Citizens The benefi t is now available for up to 15 years instead of 10, giving servicemembers extra Flag Alliance. time after leaving the military to either use their benefi t or transfer it to a family member. Along with the membership system at National Headquarters, IT supports departments, Under a provision backed by the Pentagon, service personnel who served at least 10 years detachments, posts, units and squadrons by providing them with electronic membership on active duty will be able to transfer their benefi t to a spouse or dependent children. The updates. Many of our state and local groups use the Association Information Manager (AIM) transferred benefi t only covers the cost of tuition, not the housing stipend and extra cash for software off ered by National Headquarters to manage their membership records. Still others books. These new provisions go into eff ect on Aug. 1, 2009. make use of ALPOP, which allows post leadership to directly access their membership on the Continued partisan wrangling in Congress disrupted the fi scal 2009 appropriations process. national database via the Internet. By Sept. 30, 2008, none of the 12 funding measures needed to operate the federal govern- IT is in the personalized laser printing business, too, producing annual membership cards, ment were signed into law. However, on Sept. 30, President Bush signed P.L. 110-329, an membership solicitation letters, renewal notices, return address labels used for department omnibus spending measure. It contained funding for the majority of federal government fundraising, mailing labels for publications and various other printed materials. programs to keep most government agencies functioning through early March 2009, but In conjunction with membership database capabilities, The American Legion has invested in at levels equal to fi scal 2008 funding. It also contained full fi scal 2009 funding for the depart- sophisticated list-processing software. This ensures mailings are sent at the lowest cost using ments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Aff airs. The second session of the 110th features that eliminate duplicate names from various lists so that only one item is mailed Congress adjourned Jan. 3, 2009. to each addressee, sort mail in U.S. Postal Service sequence, print addresses using the USPS Department of Defense appropriations for fi scal 2009 totaled $487.7 billion, $4 billion less bar code to receive the most favorable postal discounts, and identify addresses that would than requested by the president and $28.4 billion above the enacted amount for fi scal 2008. not be recognized and thus not delivered by USPS, preventing us from wasting printing and This law also contained fi scal 2009 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security, postage funds. providing $39.9 billion for DHS programs – an increase of $2.8 billion above the White House The American Legion’s IT Division is an integral part of the Marketing Services Group, which request. includes Haynes & Partners Communications Inc. (HPC), Member Benefi ts and Emblem Sales. The fi scal 2009 discretionary VA funding portion of P.L. 110-329 totals $47.6 billion, $4.5 Many of the services described above are provided to HPC clients, generating enough billion greater than fi scal 2008 totals and $2.8 billion more than the president’s request. The revenue to off set more than 40 percent of the IT Division’s operating expenses. American Legion diligently lobbied Congress to ensure that VA’s fi scal 2009 appropriations were available by Oct. 1, the start of the new fi scal year. Approximately 54 percent of all VA spending is mandatory spending, or entitlements, programs that are automatically funded, including pensions, VA disability compensation, 50 The American Legion

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insurance and home-loan programs. The remaining programs – health care, medical and Altogether, with six months of sales and three months of costs in the books, the Magazine prosthetic research, the National Cemetery System and medical facility construction, among Division was on course to exceed its expected surplus and return more than $1 million to the others – are discretionary funding. general fund at the end of the year. The American Legion and other veterans service organizations have been lobbying Congress The division has assumed a major project to reconstruct the organization’s Web presence. to establish a mechanism whereby VA medical care funding is provided by advance appro- Six employees have been transferred into the division or have fi lled vacancies to develop priations. This would allow Congress to fund VA medical care one year in advance, then allow the new site, which is scheduled to launch in phases through the second half of 2009. The for the passage of additional funding, as needed, during a fi scal year. Advance appropriations project includes a new look to the American Legion Baseball Web site and live streaming of is not a new concept, as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section The American Legion World Series from Fargo, N.D. 8 vouchers program, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Head Start program are An advertising sales program is now in eff ect forThe American Legion Online Update, and all funded through advance appropriations. Two measures – H.R. 1016 and S. 423 – were technological infrastructure is in place to establish a new revenue stream for the refurbished introduced to accomplish this goal. Web site as well. Other fi nancial benefi ts from the Web site are expected to come in cost savings During Senate fl oor debate on the budget resolution, Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., introduced due to reduced printing and distribution of internal documents, including Dispatch, enhanced an amendment – cosponsored by Sens. Dan Akaka, D-Hawaii, Richard Burr, R-N.C., Lisa electronic marketing of membership and merchandise, and online donation opportunities. Murkowski, R-Alaska, and John Thune, R-S.D. – to include VA medical care among other The American Legion Magazine Commission and staff proudly embrace the opportunity to programs to be funded through advance appropriations. The amendment was agreed to by become a more multifaceted media division of the organization. unanimous consent. The American Legion would like to thank Inhofe and his colleagues for passage of this important legislation. On April 29, Congress passed the fi scal 2010 budget resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 13. NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION The Senate vote for passage was 53-43, while the House vote was 233-193. The measure calls for an increase of $5.6 billion more than the current year spending for VA discretionary funding, for Fang A. Wong a total of $53.4 billion. Inhofe’s amendment for advance appropriations for VA medical care was New York included in the fi nal version of the budget resolution. With the passage of the fi scal 2010 budget Chairman resolution, a fi nal blueprint for the Appropriations Committees is now in place. It should be stressed that the budget resolution is not law, but merely the guideline for spending bills. Philip D. Riley The American Legion’s legislative attention during the remainder of 2009 will be devoted District of Columbia to fi scal 2010 appropriations for VA, homeland security and national defense, continued Director support for legislation to eliminate the disabled veterans tax, enforcement of existing im- migrations laws, enactment of advance appropriations for VA medical care, full enrollment 2009 Washington Conference for Priority Group 8 veterans, and proper administration of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The National Security Commission met in general sessions during the 49th Annual Washing- ton Conference at the Renaissance Hotel on March 2-4, 2009. The following is a summary of those sessions: THE AMERICAN LEGION MAGAZINE Joint Session COMMISSION In a joint session with the Foreign Relations Commission, members of the National Security Commission met and heard four speakers: John J. Norris Jr., deputy assistant secretary Dennis J. Henkemeyer for East Asian Aff airs, U.S. Department of State; Jerry Johnson, Physical Evaluation Board Minnesota representative, The American Legion, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; and Energy Panel Chairman speakers Anne Korin, who chairs the Set America Free Coalition, an alliance of national secu- rity, environmental, labor and religious groups promoting ways to reduce U.S. dependence Jeff Stoff er on foreign oil, and Edwin Black, the award-winning, New York Times best-selling author of Indiana “Internal Combustion” and “The Plan.” Brig. Gen. Reuben D. Jones was scheduled to speak but Director was unable to appear due to inclement weather. Norris presented an overview of U.S. relations with the Asia-Pacifi c region. Specifi cally, he American Legion Magazine advertising sales weathered a diffi cult 2008 after two consecutive discussed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s fi rst trip abroad since taking offi ce. Norris also record-breaking years in 2006 and 2007. The division fi nished the year with $8,649,728 in sales, talked about challenges facing the international community, including the global fi nancial down from an all-time high of over $10.8 million the previous year. Five issues into the 2009 crisis, humanitarian issues, security and climate change. sales year showed improvement. Sales were $218,000 ahead of budget, while paper, printing Johnson gave an overview of his work at Walter Reed assisting U.S. servicemembers with their re- and mailing costs were slightly below budget, due to reduced page count and circulation. covery and transition. Specifi cally, he addressed the Physical Disability Agency (PDA) as it relates Through the March 2009 issue, the division was $131,000 below budget for total costs. to servicemembers’ physical and medical evaluation boards and Physical Evaluation Boards. He The paper market continues to fl uctuate. Reduced worldwide demand has led to mill outlined Walter Reed’s new disability evaluation pilot program and how it improves on the old closures and temporary suspension of production at some facilities. The American Legion system in some respects. However, he spent much time exposing the system’s shortcomings. Magazine’s contract with Bulkley-Dunton, Inc., caps quarterly price increases at $2 per On the Energy Panel, Korin and Black gave insightful and impassioned presentations on the hundredweight, which kept the magazine’s paper cost manageable but growing quarterly in state of U.S. energy, the necessity for independence from foreign oil, domestic obstacles 2008. No new price increases are forecast. and related global issues. Korin described how U.S. dependence on foreign oil is enabling Reduced fuel costs have cut paper freight charges by approximately $5,000 per issue. radical Islamists to leverage power against the United States. She claimed that more than 70 Printing costs are stable and are expected to remain so throughout 2009. percent of the world’s proven oil reserves and over a third of production are concentrated in Muslim countries that often have direct ties to supporting terrorist operations. She concluded A 4-percent increase in mailing costs for periodicals went into eff ect May 12, 2009 – the by stressing the importance of establishing an Open Fuel Standard on the basis of national second such increase in consecutive years, based on the Consumer Price Index. This increase security. Choosing not to do so is choosing to preserve the Middle East’s stranglehold over was budgeted but will drive up the monthly cost of delivery of the magazine by more than the U.S. economy and, for that matter, the global economy. Black also spoke about the need $18,000 on average. The increase means postage now represents more than 50 percent of for oil independence and grimly stated that the United States faces real danger without a the magazine’s overall cost. realistic energy plan for the future. 91st National Convention 51

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POW/MIA Update PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMISSION The expert panel on the POW/MIA issues included Maj. Bob Brenzel, U.S. Air Force, Chief, Vietnam War Working Group, Joint Commission Support Directive (JCSD), Defense POW/ Robert L. Morrill Missing Personnel Offi ce, and Ann Mills Griffi ths, executive director, National League of New York POW/MIA Families. Brenzel explained JCSD’s inner workings and chain of command. Griffi ths Chairman spoke about the signifi cant evolution of the POW/MIA issue since the Vietnam War, including scientifi c advancements that increase the eff ectiveness of results. Joseph H. March Business Session Maryland Director The National Security Commission met in business session March 4. Chairman Fang Wong made opening remarks and introductions, then invited Krisann Owens, who is the National The Public Relations Commission communicates the organizational image, goals, programs Security Chairwoman of the American Legion Auxiliary to address the session. She was and legislative positions of The American Legion to national, regional and specialized media, followed by Mr. Ricky Smith who gave a very informative presentation on the Army’s Future corporate America, and the public. Combat Systems. Deputy Director for National Security Alec Petkoff gave an update on preconvention trip plans, the proposed fi scal 2010 defense budget, and seven resolutions Working with the national chaplain toward the corporate goal of demonstrating the “honor- considered for the 2009 National Executive Committee Spring Meetings. able nature of military service,” The American Legion video “A Family Aff air – A Prayer for our Troops” was marketed to churches and synagogues that use video as part of their worship National Security Programs services on both Veterans Day and Memorial Day weekends. The booklet, “Legiontown Blood Donor Program USA,” was written and distributed to provide a snapshot of the variety of activities that American Legion posts are involved with every day across the country. The publication is Many American Legion departments participate in the Blood Donor Program. To stimulate fi lled with vignettes of posts serving their communities, youth, our military and veterans. activities on the part of departments and posts, the national commander makes annual awards. Criteria for the national commander’s awards for post and individual participation are based The American Legion’s public-service radio-spot campaign on the issue of illegal immigra- on Resolution 14, adopted at the 1985 National Executive Committee Spring Meetings. The tion exceeded expectations in the number of news-talk format radio stations that aired one resolution directs that departments be placed in one of six groups based on size, using standards or more of the six-spot series. Several hundred news-talk format stations across the nation established by the Membership & Post Activities Committee. Winning departments announced at placed the spots in their PSA rotation schedule. the 90th National Convention were Alaska, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio and Tennessee. Two digitally mastered 30-second TV spots promoting membership and an accompanying ROTC Programs and the Paul H. Griffi th ROTC Trophy marketing package are available by contacting the Public Relations offi ce at [email protected]. Departments continue to do an excellent job of encouraging posts to participate in The During the 91st National Convention, documentary fi lm producers Stephen Grudenic and American Legion’s ROTC Medals Program. More than 8,000 medals have been awarded to Jason Heit of Hollywood-based Blackhorse Productions will continue to fi lm activities for deserving cadets in junior and senior ROTC units. a one-hour documentary about The American Legion at no cost to the organization. Their profi t will be made from DVD sales and marketing the program for national syndication. At its October 1975 meeting, the National Executive Committee approved Resolution 21, which Thirty percent of all profi ts will go to American Legion charities. The documentary is established the Paul H. Griffi th Trophy for the ROTC Program. Winners of the trophy are the depart- expected to be completed in early 2010. ment or departments that give the greatest degree of support to ROTC units, including the num- ber of medals presented and American Legion participation in award-day ceremonies. Winning PR Tools departments for 2007-2008 were Alaska, Hawaii, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Oregon, Puerto Public Relations tools are available free on request and can be downloaded from The Ameri- Rico, Tennessee, Rhode Island and South Carolina, which speaks well for these departments and can Legion Web site, www.legion.org, including new suggested speeches for Memorial Day, The American Legion in their recognition of American youth enrolled in ROTC programs. Flag Day and Veterans Day. Videos produced this year include a promotional DVD on the Ju- National Law Enforcement Offi cer of the Year Award nior Shooting Sports Program, a revised version of the Boys State and Girls State promotional video, and a new Oratorical Contest Judges Briefi ng distributed by the Americanism Division Recognizing law-enforcement offi cers who have selfl essly distinguished themselves over along with 2009 contest materials. and above their normal duties, primarily through community service and professional achievement, this prestigious award will be presented for the 13th consecutive year at the By the National Executive Committee’s Spring Meetings in May, more than $152,000 had 91st National Convention. Nineteen departments submitted candidates for the 2009 award, been raised for Operation Comfort Warriors. These donations were primarily the result of which goes to Christopher R. Biron from Manchester, N.H. “inhouse” marketing online and in The American Legion Magazine, Dispatch, Online Update, department newspapers, and e-mails generated to national leadership and departments. Media Relations Because of its presence in the nation’s capital, The American Legion received signifi cant media coverage throughout the year. Most prominent was national and international cover- age of the organization’s rapid and decisive responses to two events of major institutional importance to veterans and our organization: • A budget proposal from the president that would, in some cases, have held private insurance carriers responsible for medical expenses incurred by military veterans who had suff ered service-related wounds, injuries, illnesses and disabilities. • A document issued to law enforcement agencies by the Department of Homeland Security that identifi ed military veterans as likely targets for recruitment by so-called right-wing extremist groups. AD In both cases, The American Legion’s response was swift and strong. The budget proposal was answered by a press release communicating the Legion’s objection in consonance with a letter to the president co-signed by National Commander David K. Rehbein and 10 other veterans and military service organizations. The controversial DHS document prompted a Legion response in the form of a critical open letter from Rehbein to Homeland Security

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Secretary Janet Napolitano. Each response requested a meeting with the aff ected parties, fi scal 2010 VA budget, mandatory funding for VA health care, veteran employment issues, and each resulted in a positive outcome. Public dissemination of Legion responses was facili- the Appeals Management Center and discharge upgrades. tated through traditional channels, including wire”services and primary media contacts. The VA&R Mid-Winter Conference American Legion’s advocacy was enhanced signifi cantly through blogs and the viral nature of The 86th Annual VA&R Conference convened at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington on broadcasts. Both stories received major national attention, with The American Legion bring- March 2. The agenda included presentations by VA offi cials and other guest speakers on ing about the right outcome for U.S. veterans. matters relating to veterans benefi ts and health care. Awards National Commander David K. Rehbein presented The American Legion Volunteer of the At the 49th Washington Conference, noted author, actor and economist Ben Stein received Year Award to Robert Alexson of Iowa. Conferees were addressed by the Hon. Adm. Patrick the National Commander’s Public Relations Award for his outstanding support of U.S. W. Dunne, VA undersecretary for benefi ts; Georg-Hans Michalke of Utah, Benefi ts Delivery servicemembers. at Discharge representative, National VA&R Commission; and Andrew Tramontana, assistant USA Today reporters Blake Morrison and Brad Heath will receive The American Legion Fourth director for DoD Outreach, National VA&R Commission. Estate Award during the 91st National Convention for their series “The Smokestack Eff ect: The conference included presentations by VA offi cials and members of the House and Senate Toxic Air and America’s Schools.” Working with 30 reporters and others from Johns Hopkins Veteran Aff airs committees, and two panels: Claims and Pensions, and Traumatic Brain Injury University and the University of Maryland, Morrison and Heath joined teams sent to 95 (TBI)/Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Prosthetics and Mental Health. schools in 30 states, where they used pumps, metals fi lters and other equipment taking TBI, PTSD, Prosthetics and Mental Health panelists included Col. Charles W. Hoge, M.D., direc- snapshot samples of the air outside schools. They found toxic chemicals that can aggravate tor of the Division of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research; asthma, trigger learning disabilities and cause cancer decades later. Dr. Philip A. DeFina, founder, chief executive offi cer and chief scientifi c cer, offi International The future Brain Research Foundation; Dr. Joel Kupersmith, chief research and development offi cer, Vet- The National Public Relations Commission continues to explore and engage the communica- erans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Aff airs; and Dr. Joel Scholten, associate tion potential of emerging technologies. A new public-relations system tool kit is in develop- chief of staff , Rehab Services, Department of Veterans Aff airs. ment that will harness print, Internet, video, digital and interactive technology. The kit will Claims and Pension Panelists included Bradley G. Mayes, director, Compensation and Pension include products for both traditional and new social-media technologies, ensuring that The Service, Department of Veterans Aff airs; Jackie Garrick, professional staff member, House American Legion will continue to be the pre-eminent voice of, and for, U.S. veterans. Committee on Veterans Aff airs; Dahlia Melendrez, benefi ts counsel, Senate Committee on Veterans Aff airs; and Jim Willis of The American Legion Department of Oregon. Board of Veterans Appeals and the VA Washington Regional Offi ce VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION Fourteen American Legion appeals representatives serve at the Board of Veterans Appeals COMMISSION (BVA) in Washington, navigating a maze of regulations and veterans law to represent those who have been denied benefi ts to which they believe they are entitled. National VA&R staff K. Robert Lewis also maintain a presence at the VA Washington Regional Offi ce and Appeals Management Connecticut Center, and handle original claims as well as appeals remanded from BVA. Chairman VA Health Care

Barry A. Searle VA&R’s Field Service Unit includes three representatives who regularly travel to VA medical Pennsylvania facilities around the country and report on the impact of VA’s health-care policies on veterans Director and their families. The American Legion continues to monitor all aspects of the Veterans Health Administration’s As one of the The American Legion’s four pillars, the National Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilita- policies. In particular, the System Worth Saving Task Force is fi nishing up its fi fth year of tion (VA&R) Commission actively advocates for, and exercises independent oversight over, a conducting site visits to VA medical centers. Past reports have centered on VA medical facili- number of benefi ts, programs and opportunities created to compensate and care for genera- ties. The 2009 report will focus on VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics tions of U.S. veterans and their dependents. (CBOCs), Vet Centers and VA mental-health care. Military Discharge Review VA&R provides direct assistance to veterans and their families in a variety of ways, including This VA&R unit comprises three DoD representatives who assist former U.S. servicemembers representation on disability claims and appeals, health-care advocacy, military discharge applying to the Army, Air Force, Navy/Marine Corps and Coast Guard for discharge upgrades reviews and upgrades, deployment health and environmental exposures, and memorial or correction of their military service records. benefi ts. Additionally, VA&R staff maintain an active voice in congressional deliberations Our representatives deal with a wide range of issues and represent former servicemembers regarding veterans issues and have a well-established and respected working relationship before several reviewing agencies, including discharge review boards, Correction of Military with the Department of Veterans Aff airs that includes regular participation in major VA Records boards, Combat-Related Special Compensation boards, and the National Archives advisory committees. and Records Administration. Department Service Offi cer School Heroes to Hometowns (H2H) To ensure that professional American Legion service offi cers at the department, county and The Heroes to Hometowns program is a partnership between The American Legion and local levels have the training and resources necessary to stay informed of changing govern- the Department of Defense that authorizes the Legion to receive the names and locations ment regulations and legal decisions related to veterans benefi ts claims, the National VA&R of severely injured U.S. servicemembers who request assistance with the often-daunting Commission – in conjunction with the National Association of Department Service Offi cers – transition from the military. conducts two service-offi cer schools each year and encourages participation in The American Legion/National Veterans Legal Services Program and the Veterans Law Internship Program. DoD originally provided a desk in the H2H Pentagon satellite offi ce for a Legion staff member Approximately 110 department service offi cers attended. The curriculum centered on to work as a liaison with the Military Severely Injured Center. In 2006, the center shifted its veterans law issues, including decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and focus and was renamed the Wounded Warrior Resource Center. Within this program, the Le- their impact on VA’s claims adjudication and appeals process. An elementary-level course for gion is one of the lead coordinating organizations in each state. Local community leaders link newer service offi cers, conducted by National Association of Department Service Offi cers, their eff orts with national organizations and agencies, and state-level military representa- was again provided this year. Guest speakers also provided information on topics such as the tives assist in communicating potential needs of a severely injured servicemember. 91st National Convention 53

Page 53 The American Legion 2009 Annual Reports

Recently, new leadership in the Offi ce of the Secretary of Defense assumed oversight over • The American Legion Supports the Ride to Recovery Program H2H, and The American Legion has entered into a new partnership with DoD. A new fl ow of • The American Legion Supports Legislation to Establish a Director of Physician Assistant information through various DoD elements has been discussed, and implementation plans Services in the Department of Veterans Aff airs are being formed. • Amend Title 38 U.S. Code to Establish a Marker for Cremation Urns Provided by the Depart- In 2008, H2H developed a pilot program with DoD, VA and The American Legion to place ment of Veterans Aff airs a Heroes to Hometowns VA volunteer coordinator at 10 VA medical centers. All 10 pilot • Amend P.L. 109-13 to Open Traumatic Injury Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) sites currently have H2H representatives. These volunteers will create community resource Retroactive Period to All Qualifying Servicemembers directories that address the needs of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans in their transition to civilian life. These coordinators provide additional, in-person • Support Legislation to Place Medal of Honor Recipients in Priority Group 1 for Department contact with disabled OEF/OIF veterans and give Legion H2H networks an opportunity to of Veterans Aff airs Health Care assist these warriors and their families. • The American Legion Supports America’s Huey 091 Foundation This program positions The American Legion to do what we do best: serving those who • The American Legion Policy on Department of Veterans Aff airs Consolidation Eff orts served. H2H also provides the Legion an opportunity to reach our newest veterans and help • Creation of Ad Hoc Committee to Ensure Proper Representation of Claims Adjudicated by them experience a seamless transition from the military. the Department of Veterans Aff airs (VA) Pension Maintenance (Management) Centers Department of Veterans Aff airs Voluntary Service (VAVS) • The American Legion Policy on the Department of Veterans Aff airs Billing of Private Insur- In 2008, The American Legion had 6,105 VAVS volunteers who contributed 909,480 hours ance. of service. Based on an independent sector volunteer rate of $18.77 per hour, this is a cost Testimony savings of $17 million to VA in 2008 alone. The American Legion also contributed $2.3 million VA&R voices the views of The American Legion on a variety of issues relating to the health in monetary and non-monetary donations. National Headquarters distributed updated VAVS and welfare of veterans. Several times a year, the nation’s lawmakers hear the voice of the handbooks for VAVS representatives and deputy representatives, and for department train- 2.6 million members of The American Legion before the House and Senate Veterans Aff airs ing. The System Worth Saving Task Force began including fi eld data on Legion volunteering committees. and challenges at the local level, as well as best recruitment and retention practices to be shared across the country. The American Legion Magazine published a Commander’s Message The VA&R Commission will continue to fi ght to ensure that VA is indeed capable of fulfi lling highlighting volunteering, and the Dispatch highlighted the Legion’s volunteer support of its mission to “care for him who shall have borne the battle, and his widow and his orphan.” OEF/OIF welcome-home celebrations. Also, the Legion Web site launched a volunteer portal: www.legion.org/veterans/aff airs/volunteer. On Dec. 17, National Commander David K. Rehbein and Auxiliary National President Desireé A. Stoy signed up as VAVS volunteers at the ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Des Moines VA Medical Center. The 2009 VAVS program goals are to encourage VA to make volunteer applications and Marty Justis training available online, to create a volunteer post toolkit with a brochure and poster, to Maryland create an online center for volunteers, to urge The American Legion Magazine to dedicate Executive Director an issue and cover story to Legion volunteering, to promote department VAVS training and recruitment fairs, and to achieve a 2009 department recruitment goal of 22 new volunteers. Three major responsibilities are assigned to the executive director of The American Legion Post VAVS brochures and posters have been printed and are being distributed to depart- National Headquarters in Indianapolis: ments, which are asked to set up VAVS training at mid-winter conferences and department * During absences of the national adjutant from The American Legion National Headquar- conventions. The VA&R Division’s assistant director can assist with agendas, brochures and ters, he acts for him. He additionally performs duties assigned by the national adjutant. presentations upon request. * He oversees The American Legion Magazine and Administrative Services, which includes For the fi rst time in six years, the Legion had an increase of 343 hours, despite losing 397 the following divisions: Human Resources, Maintenance, Library, and the E.A. Blackmore regularly scheduled volunteers. Truly, “we are doing more with less.” The average age of our Museum. VAVS volunteers is 75, and we are asking Vietnam War and younger generations of veterans • He serves on the Personnel Committee, the HPC board of directors, the IT Committee, and (Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the global war on various other committees as needed. terror) to continue their service to country through volunteering. We especially need depart- The Administrative Services Division also provides all secretarial assistance to the executive ments to have VAVS coordinators in place to review the VAVS representatives and deputy offi cers of The American Legion. All division directors resident at National Headquarters in representatives listings and attend VAVS quarterly meetings at VA medical centers. Indianapolis report to the executive director. Additionally, department VAVS coordinators can ensure the program is on the department training schedule for mid-winter conferences and department conventions. As the need for volunteers increases, the Legion must increase its level of commitment to not only recruit more of them, but to ensure responsible management volunteers. Resolutions At this year’s fall and spring commission meetings, the VA&R Commission endorsed 14 resolutions aff ecting veterans, including:

• Department of Veterans Aff airs Grant World War II Veterans Same Hospital and Medical 800-211-5379 Entitlements as Previously Granted to World War I and Spanish-American War Veterans • The American Legion Position on Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Ed Anderson 419-656-6991 mobile Sales Manager [email protected] • Medical Options Provided by the Department of Veterans Aff airs Primary Care Providers Ramona Evans AD 440-541-8791 mobile

• Department of Veterans Aff airs Provide Internal Access Phone Number for Veteran Service Relocation Specialist [email protected] Organization Accredited Representatives 419-625-5225 fax • Support the Establishment of Primary Status in the Adjudication of Department of Veterans www.SuperiorRelo.com

Aff airs Disability Claims of World War II and Korean War Veterans Interstate Agent Offices in Lorain, Findlay & Sandusky OH 54 The American Legion

Page 54 Page 55 Report of Independent Auditors

56 The American Legion

Page 56 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidated Statements of Financial Position December 31, 2008 and 2007

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

91st National Convention 57

Page 57 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidated Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2008

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

58 The American Legion

Page 58 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidated Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2007

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

91st National Convention 59

Page 59 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

See accompanying notes to consolidated fi nancial statements.

60 The American Legion

Page 60 The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2008 and 2007

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT gains, losses and other changes in net assets during the reported period. Actual results could ACCOUNTING POLICIES diff er from those estimates. Nature of Organization: The American Legion National Headquarters (Legion) is a Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of bank deposits in ac- national veterans organization that was declared to be a corporate body by an act of the U.S. counts that are federally insured up to $250,000 per fi nancial institution. Additionally, the Congress on Sept. 16, 1919. Legion holds funds at fi nancial institutions that are participating in the FDIC’s transaction ac- According to the original act and subsequent amendments, the purpose of the Legion is “to count guarantee program. Under this program non-interest bearing and certain low interest uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to promote peace and accounts are FDIC insured in full through 2009 in addition to and separate from the coverage goodwill among the peoples of the United States and all the nations of the earth; to preserve available under FDIC’s general deposit insurance rules. the memories and incidents of the two World Wars and the other great hostilities fought to For purposes of the consolidated statement of cash fl ows, the Legion considers all highly liquid uphold democracy; to cement the ties and comradeship born of service; and to consecrate investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. the eff orts of its members to mutual helpfulness and service to their country.” Inventory: Inventory consists of Emblem items held for sale, magazine paper and publica- Approximately 45 percent of the Legion’s income is derived from membership dues (includ- tion rights, and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Inventory items are valued at average ing amounts allocated for magazine subscriptions). An additional 15 percent is generated cost. Supplies not intended for sale are expensed when purchased. through advertising for The American Legion Magazine. Another signifi cant source of income Investments: Investments held by Haynes & Partners Communications, Inc. (HPC), a wholly is Emblem Sales, which includes the sale of apparel, jewelry and other items bearing the owned subsidiary of the Legion, are classifi ed as held-to-maturity securities and are carried at American Legion emblem. Income is expended by the Legion on several diff erent programs, amortized cost. Realized gains or losses are determined based on the amortized cost of the spe- including The American Legion Magazine, Emblem Sales, veterans assistance and rehabilita- cifi c security sold. Interest and dividend income, adjusted by amortization of purchase premium tion, youth programs and others. The Legion’s youth programs include American Legion or discount, is included in earnings. Securities with declines in fair value below amortized cost Baseball, the National Oratorical Contest and Boys Nation. that are other than temporary are written down to fair value by a charge to earnings. Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated fi nancial statements include the accounts All other Legion investments are carried at fair value. Realized and unrealized gains and of The American Legion National Headquarters and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Haynes & losses are refl ected in the consolidated statements of activities. Premiums or discounts on Partners Communications, Inc. (HPC), the American Legion Endowment Fund Corp. (ALEF), investments are generally recognized at the time of disposal or maturity. and the National Emergency Fund (NEF) (collectively, the Legion). All material interorganiza- Property and Equipment: Expenditures for property and equipment and items which sub- tional accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Haynes & Partners stantially increase the useful lives of existing assets and are greater than $500 are capitalized Communications, Inc., an Indiana corporation, is a full-service, direct marketing and adver- at cost. The Legion provides for depreciation on the straight-line method at rates designated tising agency whose services include innovative marketing and creative automated mailing. to depreciate the costs of assets over their estimated useful lives. The majority of its sales are to the Legion. The remaining sales are made primarily within Depreciation on buildings is computed on the straight-line method using a 30-year life. All the State of Indiana. American Legion Endowment Fund Corporation, a tax-exempt Indiana other capital assets are depreciated over lives ranging from three to seven years. corporation, was created to provide permanent funding for the rehabilitation of U.S. veterans and assistance to orphans of veterans. The National Emergency Fund is a tax-exempt trust Collections: The Legion owns many collectible military-related items and historical docu- established to provide gifts and grants to relieve suff ering and ameliorate fi nancial hardship ments that were not recorded as they were acquired. It is often impracticable to determine incurred by American Legion members, families and posts. a value for collections and, accordingly, the Legion has concluded that they need not be capitalized. These have been or are in the process of being appraised for insurance purposes. Basis of Accounting: The fi nancial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States Support and Revenue: The Legion reports gifts of cash and other assets as restricted of America. support if they are received with donor stipulations that limit the use of the donated assets. When a donor restriction expires – that is, when a stipulated time restriction ends or purpose Financial Statement Presentation: The fi nancial statements have been prepared in restriction is accomplished – temporarily restricted net assets are reclassifi ed to unrestricted accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 117, Financial net assets and reported in the statement of activities as net assets released from restrictions. Statements of Not-for-Profi t Organizations. SFAS No. 117 requires, among other things, that the fi nancial statements report the changes in and total of each of the net asset classes, Dues Income and Expense: Dues are recognized as income over the applicable member- based upon donor restrictions, as applicable. Net assets are to be classifi ed as unrestricted, ship period, which is on a calendar-year basis. temporarily restricted and permanently restricted. In addition to other methods of obtaining new members, the Legion uses direct mail The following classes of net assets are maintained: and other direct marketing approaches. The income generated from direct membership solicitation is recognized over the applicable membership period (calendar year). The direct- Unrestricted Net Assets – The unrestricted net asset class includes general assets and response expenses incurred in obtaining new members are deferred and written off in the liabilities of the Legion, as well as assets and liabilities designated by the National Executive subsequent membership year. Committee, the governing body of the Legion. The unrestricted net assets of the Legion may be used at the discretion of management to support the Legion’s purposes and operations. Income Taxes: The Legion is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(19) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. ALEF and NEF are exempt from federal income taxes under Temporarily Restricted Net Assets – The temporarily restricted net asset class includes as- Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. None of these organizations is consid- sets of the Legion related to gifts with explicit donor-imposed restrictions that have not been ered to be a private foundation. The Legion is subject to income tax on unrelated business met as to specifi ed purpose, or to later periods of time or after specifi ed dates. Unconditional income. The Legion incurred no expense and paid no income taxes in 2008 and 2007. promises to give that are due in future periods and are not permanently restricted are classi- fi ed as temporarily restricted net assets. HPC records income tax expense based on the amount of taxes due on its tax return plus deferred taxes computed based on the expected future tax consequences of temporary dif- Permanently Restricted Net Assets – The permanently restricted net asset class includes as- ferences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted sets of the Legion for which the donor has stipulated that the contribution be maintained in tax rates. Federal and state income tax expense is recorded for HPC, a for-profi t corporation, perpetuity. Donor-imposed restrictions limiting the use of the assets or its economic benefi t as incurred, and is disclosed in Note 17. neither expire with the passage of time nor can be removed by satisfying a specifi c purpose. Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The carrying amount of all fi nancial instruments of Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements: The preparation of fi nancial the Legion approximate their fair values, with the exception of held-to-maturity investments statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United as disclosed in Note 5. States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that aff ect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities Expense Allocation: Expenses have been classifi ed as program services, management at the date of the fi nancial statements and the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, and general, member development and fundraising based on actual direct expenditures. 91st National Convention 61

Page 61 The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2008 and 2007

Additionally, some expenses are allocated among departments based upon estimates of the 2020, or until the funds of the trust are exhausted. Based on the terms of the trust and a amount of time spent by Legion employees performing services for these departments. 3.4-percent discount rate in 2008 and a 5.0-percent discount rate in 2007, the present value Adoption of New Accounting Standards: In 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards of future benefi ts expected to be received by the ALEF was estimated to be $389,000 and Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 157, Fair Value $377,000 at Dec. 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Measurements (SFAS No. 157). SFAS No. 157 defi nes fair value, provides enhanced guidance NOTE 5 – INVESTMENTS for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities under current U.S. Generally Accepted The carrying amount, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of agency and municipal bonds Accounting Principles and expands the disclosure of the methods used and the eff ect of fair held-to-maturity held by HPC at Dec. 31 are as follows: value measurements on earnings. The Legion adopted applicable portions of this standard Carrying Unrealized Unrealized for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008. Additional disclosure is provided in Note 15. 2008 amount gains losses Fair value The Legion adopted FASB Staff Position (FSP) 117-1, Endowments of Not-for-Profi t Organiza- Due within 1 year $ - $ - $ - $ - tions: Net Asset Classifi cation of Funds Subject to an Enacted Version of the Uniform Prudent Due 1-5 years 76,282 5,305 - 81,587 Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA), and Enhanced Disclosure for All Endow- Due more than 10 years 96,000 - - 96,000 ment Funds. FSP 117-1 provides guidance on the net asset classifi cation of donor-restricted Total $ 172,282 $ 5,305 $ - $ 177,587 endowment funds for organizations subject to an enacted version of UPMIFA. The Legion Carrying Unrealized Unrealized adopted applicable portions of this standard, which went into eff ect July 1, 2007. Additional 2007 amount gains losses Fair value disclosure is provided in Note 16. Due within 1 year $ - $ - $ - $ - FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), issued July Due 1-5 years ---- 2006, was eff ective as of Jan. 1, 2007. The Legion has elected to defer adoption of FIN 48, Due more than 10 years 290,000 - - 290,000 Total $ 290,000 $ - $ - $ 290,000 in accordance with the provisions of FASB Staff Position No. FIN 48-3, which permits certain nonpublic enterprises to delay adoption until fi scal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2008. The carrying amount plus accrued interest for these investments was $174,515 and $291,513 at Upon adoption of FIN 48, the Legion will recognize a tax benefi t only if it is more likely Dec. 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. than not the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination The market and cost values for all other investments held by the Legion at Dec. 31, 2008 and being presumed to occur. The amount recognized will be the largest amount of tax benefi t 2007, are as follows: that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not 2008 2007 meeting the more-likely-than-not test, no tax benefi t will be recorded. Currently, the Legion Cost Market Cost Market accounts for contingencies associated with certain tax positions in accordance with SFAS No. Money market accounts $ 25,271,409 $ 25,271,409 $ 31,437,549 $ 31,437,549 5, Accounting for Contingencies, which provides the recording of a contingency based on the U.S government obligations 59,378,182 60,832,707 54,441,050 54,468,083 probability of certain events to transpire that range from probable to remote as opposed to State and municipal bonds 301,383 301,688 669,300 679,509 applying a more likely than not recognition threshold. The Legion has examined this issue Corporate and foreign bonds 19,416,221 17,191,281 11,867,715 11,657,987 and has determined there are no material contingent tax liabilities. Common and preferred stocks 6,238,516 5,230,854 8,586,178 9,923,360 Reclassifi cations:Certain reclassifi cations have been made to present last year’s fi nancial Accrued interest 884,335 884,335 780,969 780,969 $ 111,490,046 $109,712,274 $107,782,761 $108,947,457 statements on a basis comparable to the current year’s fi nancial statements. These reclas- sifi cations had no eff ect on the change in net assets. NOTE 6 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT NOTE 2 – COLLECTIONS The Legion’s property and equipment, and the related accumulated depreciation at Dec. 31, The Legion owns many collectible military-related items and historical documents that were 2008 and 2007, are as follows: not recorded as they were acquired. It is often impracticable to determine a value for collec- tions and, accordingly, the Legion has concluded that they need not be capitalized. These 2008 2007 items have been appraised, or are in the process of being appraised for insurance purposes, Washington, D.C., real estate and are as follows: Land $ 80,000 $ 80,000 Building 4,905,977 4,484,147 Appraisal Replacement Construction in progress - 117,791 date value Indianapolis real estate World War I Posters 2/10/2005 $ 461,769 Land 389,264 389,264 World War II Posters 03/11/2005 472,919 Building 3,611,779 3,611,779 Military Unit Histories 03/18/2005 112,410 Construction in progress 49,715 8,650 Fine Art Collection 10/14/2005 695,600 Furniture, fi xtures and equipment Firearms and Uniforms Collection 3/24/2006 99,950 National Headquarters, Indianapolis 5,433,091 4,903,328 Original GI Bill not complete - Washington, D.C. 851,076 863,826 Other collections not complete - Haynes & Partners Communications, Inc. 1,104,051 1,122,251 16,424,953 15,581,036 NOTE 3 – INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATE Less: accumulated depreciation (9,560,475) (8,981,260) The Legion, in conjunction with approximately 120 other organizations, has created a nonprofi t $ 6,864,478 $ 6,599,776 corporation known as The Citizens Flag Alliance, Inc. (CFA) for the purpose of aiding in the Depreciation expense for the years ended Dec. 31, 2008 and 2007, was $782,234 and $736,914 campaign to secure a constitutional amendment empowering Congress and the states to enact respectively. legislation to protect the fl ag of the United States of America from physical desecration. NOTE 7 – LONG-TERM DEBT CFA recognized a decrease in net assets of $26,062 and an increase of $2,469 in 2008 and In 2003, the Legion refi nanced its long-term debt on its facility for Emblem Sales, information 2007, respectively. Accordingly, the Legion’s investment in CFA has been changed by these technology, member benefi ts and HPC. This debt is payable in monthly installments of $25,213, amounts and corresponding adjustments have been refl ected in unrestricted designated net including interest, beginning July 30, 2003, with a stated rate of 5.3 percent and fi nal payment assets for 2008 and 2007. due Aug. 1, 2018. The outstanding balance on long-term debt is $2,269,625 and $2,446,765 for NOTE 4 – BENEFICIAL INTEREST IN CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST 2008 and 2007. The ALEF has been named a benefi ciary of a charitable lead trust. Under the charitable trust, the ALEF is to receive quarterly distributions in the amount of $9,919 until December 62 The American Legion

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The future maturities of the long-term debt are as follows: Life Insurance Plan) under control of the Legion for use in youth programs. 2009 $ 185,939 The Legion’s National Executive Committee has directed that monies within The American 2010 196,036 Legion Life Insurance Plan be used to fund oratorical contests, Boys Nation, American Legion 2011 206,682 Baseball and other youth programs of the Legion. At Dec. 31, 2008, $1,062,000 in funds had 2012 217,907 been approved for use in designated programs during 2008. 2013 229,740 NOTE 12 - TEMPORARILY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS Thereafter 1,233,321 Temporarily restricted net assets are donor-restricted for specifi c purposes. At Dec. 31, 2008 and Total $ 2,269,625 2007, the restricted purposes are as follows: Interest expense was $125,417 and $134,541 for the years ended Dec. 31, 2008 and 2007, 2008 2007 respectively. Buick Scholarship $ 623,476 $ 736,450 NOTE 8 – LEASES Overseas Graves Decoration 1,039,431 971,910 The Legion has several non-cancelable operating leases, primarily for facilities, computer Samsung scholarships 2,534,316 2,553,839 equipment and copiers that expire at various dates through 2012. HPC leases equipment under Legacy Scholarship Fund 2,980,461 2,148,971 operating leases that expire at various dates through 2012. Rent expense under these leases for National Emergency Fund 2,259,434 2,311,796 Others 553,492 554,534 the years ended Dec. 31, 2008 and 2007, was $502,505 and $506,321, respectively. $ 9,990,610 $ 9,277,500 Minimum lease commitments are as follows: 2009 $ 472,392 NOTE 13 – PERMANENTLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS 2010 469,215 Permanently restricted net assets represent donor-restricted gifts that have been invested and 2011 459,861 are to be maintained in perpetuity. Income from the Samsung scholarship fund is to be used 2012 353,978 to fund undergraduate scholarships for descendants of Korean War veterans and other wars in $ 1,755,446 which U.S. servicemembers participated. Income from the American Legion Endowment Fund In addition, the Legion has a lease with the State of Indiana for rental of the National is to be used to support the Legion’s Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation and Children & Youth Headquarters building in Indianapolis through June 30, 2010. The lease can be renewed at the activities. option of the Legion for eight additional four-year periods. According to the terms of the lease, At Dec. 31, 2008 and 2007, the permanently restricted net assets are as follows: the Legion is required to maintain the interior of the building, and provide adequate insurance 2008 2007 on the building in lieu of lease payments. The cost of maintenance for 2008 and 2007 was ap- Samsung scholarships $ 5,000,000 $ 5,000,000 proximately $623,000 and $608,000, respectively. Insurance coverage is included in the Legion’s American Legion Endowment Fund 6,984,165 6,790,122 general insurance policy. $ 11,984,165 $ 11,790,122 NOTE 9 – PAID-UP-FOR-LIFE MEMBERSHIP FUND NOTE 14 - NET ASSETS RELEASED FROM RESTRICTION The National Executive Committee approved the establishment of a life membership plan Net assets were released from donor restrictions by incurring expenses satisfying the available to any member of a participating department. In accordance with the plan, the assets restricted purposes or by occurrence of other events specifi ed by donors. of the Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) Membership Fund are segregated in a trust account from which funds equal to the annual dues of life members are withdrawn for current operations each year. 2008 2007 The trust agreement provides that the Legion has the right to withdraw part or all of the assets Purpose restrictions accomplished of the trust account and to modify or terminate the trust agreement at its discretion. Overseas graves decoration $ 5,600 $ 24,540 Scholarships and grants (including relief aid) 1,039,505 703,402 Under the terms of the PUFL program, participating member’s national, state and local dues are Veterans Aff airs & Rehabilitation and Children 294,066 400,578 paid by the Legion for the remainder of the individual’s life. Management has estimated and & Youth programs recognized a liability for the future payments to state and local Legion organizations. Likewise, $ 1,339,171 $ 1,128,520 management has deferred recognition of the national dues portion of the members’ payment. Deferred PUFL dues are recognized in annual amounts equal to the national dues in eff ect each NOTE 15 – FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS year. The liability and deferred revenue amounts are estimated by the Legion’s actuaries using Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. PUFL membership summaries and discount rates comparable to the Legion’s recent investment 157), defi nes fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a performance. liability (an exit price) in the Legion’s principal or most advantageous market for the asset or NOTE 10 – RESTRICTED AND RESERVE DESIGNATED FUNDS liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The restricted fund is designated for use by the National Finance Commission and National Statement 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the Executive Committee of the Legion. Earnings of the restricted fund, along with the principal, can use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair be expended only upon recommendation of the National Finance Commission and a two-thirds value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value: affi rmative vote of the National Executive Committee at two successive meetings. It is the policy Level 1: Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity of the Legion to transfer 10 percent of the prior year’s defi ned net income from operations to the has the ability to access as of the measurement date. restricted fund. The Legion made no transfers to the restricted fund in 2008 and 2007. Level 2: Signifi cant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted The reserve fund is also designated for use by the National Finance Commission and National prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or Executive Committee. However, earnings of the reserve fund may be used for the general opera- other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. tions of the Legion. The principal can be expended only by action of the Legion at its national Level 3: Signifi cant unobservable inputs that refl ect a reporting entity’s own assump- convention, or by a two-thirds affi rmative vote of the National Executive Committee in two tions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or successive meetings not less than 60 days apart. liability. NOTE 11 – LIFE INSURANCE PLAN In many cases, a valuation technique used to measure fair value includes inputs from In October 1992, the National Executive Committee approved a resolution to terminate the Le- multiple levels of the fair-value hierarchy. The lowest level of signifi cant input determines gion’s Life Insurance Trust. Upon dissolution in April 1993, funds remaining in the trust totaling the placement of the entire fair-value measurement in the hierarchy. $4,285,984 were transferred to a segregated bank trust account (named The American Legion The Legion holds an investment portfolio described in Note 5. Investments classifi ed as 91st National Convention 63

Page 63 The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2008 and 2007

Level 1 all have publicly traded daily values which may be obtained. Investments classifi ed as Changes in endowment net assets for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008: Level 2 are publicly traded in a quoted market although not necessarily on a daily basis. Temporarily Permanently The fair value of benefi cial interest in trust assets (or any type of benefi cial interest) is based Unrestricted restricted restricted Total on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated distributed income. The Net assets, beginning of year $ - $2,553,839 $11,790,122 $14,343,961 valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating Investment return: future distributed income. The Legion is able to compare the valuation model inputs and results Investment income, net of fees - 628,260 - 628,260 Net appreciation (realized and to widely available published industry data for reasonableness (Level 2 inputs). If not readily - (62,275) 102,195 39,920 comparable to published data, then the Legion would have to develop a model similar to the unrealized) above for a level 3 input. Total investment return - 565,985 102,195 668,180 Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis: Assets and liabilities mea- New gifts - - 91,848 91,848 sured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below: Appropriation of endowment - (585,508) - (585,508) Fair Value Measurements assets for expenditure at Dec. 31, 2008, using Net assets, end of year $ - $2,534,316 $11,984,165 $14,518,481 Quoted Prices in Signifi cant Other Signifi cant Changes in endowment net assets for the period of July 1, 2007, to Dec. 31, 2007: Active Markets for Observable Unobservable Temporarily Permanently Identical Assets Inputs Inputs Unrestricted restricted restricted Total (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Net assets, beginning of period $ - $ 2,332,176 $11,523,392 $13,855,568 Assets: Investment return: Benefi cial interest in trust $ - $ 389,000 $ - Investment income, net off ees - 341,405 - 341,405 Investments 92,219,305 17,667,484 - Net appreciation (realized and - 219,223 212,599 431,822 $ 92,219,305 $18,056,484 $ - unrealized) Total investment return - 560,628 212,599 773,227 NOTE 16 – ENDOWMENT COMPOSITION The Legion’s endowments include donor-restricted endowment funds and is comprised of two New gifts - - 54,131 54,131 separate funds: the American Legion Endowment Fund and the Samsung scholarship fund. In Appropriation of endowment - (338,965) - (338,965) accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, net assets associated with endow- assets for expenditure ment funds, including funds designated by the NEC to function as endowments, are classifi ed Net assets, end of year $ - $ 2,553,839 $11,790,122 $14,343,961 and reported based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Funds with Deficiencies: From time to time, the fair value of assets associated with Interpretation of Relevant Law: The National Executive Committee has interpreted the individual donor restricted endowment funds may fall below the level that the donor Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) as requiring the preservation or UPMIFA requires the Legion to retain as a fund of perpetual duration. In accordance of the fair value of the original gift as of the gift date of the donor-restricted endowment funds with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, deficiencies of this nature that are absent explicit donor stipulations to the contrary. As a result of this interpretation, the Legion reported in unrestricted net assets were $97,200 and $156,195 as of Dec. 31, 2008 and classifi es as permanently restricted net assets (a) the original value of gifts donated to the per- 2007, respectively. manent endowment, (b) the original value of subsequent gifts to the permanent endowment, Return Objectives and Risk Parameters: The Legion has adopted investment and and (c) accumulations to the permanent endowment made in accordance with the governing spending policies for endowment assets that attempt to provide a predictable stream documents of the Legion. The remaining portion of the donor-restricted endowment fund that of funding to programs supported by its endowment while seeking to maintain the is not classifi ed in permanently restricted net assets is classifi ed as temporarily restricted net as- purchasing power of the endowment assets. Endowment assets include those assets of sets until those amounts are appropriated for expenditure by the Legion in a manner consistent donor-restricted funds that the Legion must hold in perpetuity or for a donor-specified with the standard of prudence prescribed by UPMIFA. In accordance with UPMIFA, the Legion period(s). Under this policy, as approved by the National Executive Committee, the considers the following factors in making a determination to appropriate or accumulate donor- endowment assets are invested in a manner that is intended to produce income while restricted endowment funds: assuming a low level of investment risk. (1) The duration and preservation of the fund Strategies Employed for Achieving Objectives: To satisfy its long-term rate-of-re- (2) The purposes of the Legion and the donor-restricted endowment fund turn objectives, the Legion relies on a total return strategy in which investment returns (3) General economic conditions are achieved through both capital appreciation (realized and unrealized) and current (4) The possible eff ect of infl ation and defl ation yield (interest and dividends). The Legion targets fixed income securities to achieve its (5) The expected total return from income and the appreciation of investments long-term return objectives within prudent risk constraints. (6) Other resources of the Legion (7) The investment policies of the Legion Spending Policy and How the Investment Objectives Relate to Spending Policy: Distributions will be limited to interest, net of fees. Capital appreciation Endowment net asset composition by type of fund as of Dec. 31, 2008: (realized and unrealized) is added to the principal of the American Legion Endowment Temporarily Permanently Fund, however, capital appreciation from the Samsung scholarship fund is temporar- Unrestricted restricted restricted Total ily restricted and can be spent according to the spending policy. Endowment fund Donor-restricted $ - $ 2,534,316 $ 11,984,165 $ 14,518,481 principal, unless otherwise directed by the donor, shall not be disbursed except for endowment funds emergency situations. In order to make a principal disbursement, a majority vote by Total funds $ - $ 2,534,316 $ 11,984,165 $ 14,518,481 the National Executive Committee will be required. Endowment net asset composition by type of fund as of Dec. 31, 2007: Temporarily Permanently Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Donor-restricted $ - $ 2,553,839 $ 11,790,122 $ 14,343,961 endowment funds Total funds $ - $ 2,553,839 $ 11,790,122 $ 14,343,961 64 The American Legion

Page 64 The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2008 and 2007

NOTE 17 – INCOME TAXES Weighted-average assumptions 2008 2007 The provision (benefi t) for income taxes consists of the following: Discount rate 5.80% 5.91% Income tax expense 2008 2007 Expected return on plan assets 9.00% 8.00% Currently payable Rate of compensation increase 0.00% 2.00% Federal $ (71,530) $ 78,452 The following table sets forth the Legion’s portion of the plan’s funded status and amounts rec- State (25,756) 21,106 Deferred ognized in the Legion’s consolidated statement of fi nancial position at Dec. 31, 2008 and 2007. Federal (12,700) 15,000 2008 2007 State 1,500 (5,700) Benefi t obligation $ (45,786,609) $ (45,271,515) $ (108,486) $ 108,858 Fair value of plan assets 46,008,022 51,428,644 Funded status $ 221,413 $ 6,157,129 The components of the net deferred tax (liability) asset are as follows: Service cost $ 1,343,110 $ 1,443,498 2008 2007 Interest cost 2,612,541 2,407,151 Asset Actual return on assets 3,452,480 (4,232,273) Net operating loss carry-forward $ 19,900 $ 16,900 Amortization of prior service costs 420,337 422,978 Liability Amortization of loss 305,066 512,654 Diff erence between expected and Other (54,500) (62,700) (7,492,195) 418,657 $ (34,600) $ (45,800) actual return on assets Benefi t cost $ 641,339 $ 972,665 The deferred tax asset and liability are included in other prepaid expenses and deposits and Net loss $ 5,714,714 $ 8,379,005 other liabilities, respectively, in the statement of fi nancial position. Prior service cost (420,337) 1,457,054 Pension-related changes other The tax provision (benefi t) is lower than the statutory provision due primarily to the eff ect of $ 5,294,377 $ 9,836,059 non-deductible expenses, non-taxable income and the eff ect of state taxes. than net periodic pension cost NOTE 18 – EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Prepaid benefi t cost $ 14,315,132 $ 15,993,480 Accumulated benefi t obligation 47,427,798 43,280,204 The Legion has a defi ned-benefi t pension plan covering substantially all of its employees as well Vested benefi t obligation 46,880,911 42,612,410 as those of certain affi liated and subordinated groups. The plan was established in 1944 by vote Benefi t cost $ 641,339 $ 972,665 of the Legion’s national convention. Contributions to the plan are made by the Legion and other Employer contribution - 396,039 participating groups on the basis of annual actuarial valuations. Benefi ts paid 1,968,142 1,741,017 In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defi ned Benefi t Measurement date 12/31/2008 12/31/2007 Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R). This statement requires an employer to recognize the overfunded or underfunded Estimated future benefi t payments: status of a defi ned benefi t postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its statement of fi nan- cial position and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes 2009 $ 2,768,171 occur through comprehensive income. Defi ned-benefi t plan assets and obligations are to be 2010 2,969,403 measured as of the date of the employer’s fi scal year-end. An employer without publicly traded 2011 3,027,256 equity securities was required to adopt this standard for fi scal years ending after June 15, 2007. 2012 3,104,015 Accordingly, the Legion adopted this standard at year end 2007. 2013 3,179,032 Years 2014 - 2018 16,460,563 In May 2008, the Legion voted to freeze the plan eff ective June 30, 2008, and voted to adopt a 401(k) savings plan with a qualifi ed automatic contribution arrangement eff ective July 1, The amounts of net loss and net prior service cost expected to be recognized as components 2008. The result of the freeze is that current employees will still receive the benefi ts they have of net periodic benefi t cost for the year ending Dec. 31, 2009, are $880,835 and $121,085, earned as of June 30, 2008, but no future benefi ts will be earned and no new employees will be respectively. added. As a result of the plan freeze, the benefi t obligation decreased by $1,192,643. The 401(k) HPC maintains a defi ned-contribution plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. savings plan calls for a 100-percent match of the fi rst 1 percent contributed by the employee Elective deferrals are available to employees 21 years of age who have completed one year and a 50-percent match of the net 5 percent contributed by the employee. Thus, the maximum of eligible service. HPC may make discretionary contributions to this plan. HPC’s discretionary matching percentage an employee will receive is 3.5 percent. contributions to the plan in 2008 and 2007 were $142,742 and $19,537, respectively. The defi ned benefi t plan’s assets consist of investments in equity and debt securities. The asset NOTE 19 – FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES investment policy is a lower risk strategy. The following table sets forth the Legion’s target The following represents a functional breakdown of the American Legion National Headquar- allocation for 2008 and percentage of plan assets at Dec. 31, 2008 and 2007. ters’ expenses by program and supporting services. Asset category and target allocation 2008 2007 2008 2007 Equity securities (30-40%) 30% 34% Program services Debt securities (50-70%) 70% 64% Veterans programs and services $ 31,940,920 $ 33,428,555 Other (0-10%) 0% 2% Americanism and Children & Youth 3,212,428 3,105,968 Historical returns of multiple asset classes were analyzed to develop a risk free real rate of return activities and risk premium for each asset class. The overall rate for each asset class was developed by Flag education and legislation 6,061 47,531 combining a long-term infl ation component, the risk-free real rate of return, and the associated 35,159,409 36,582,054 risk premium. A weighted average rate was developed based on those overall rates and the Supporting services target asset allocation of the plan. Management and general 18,198,055 16,056,763 Member development 9,977,403 9,189,187 Fundraising 90,476 85,398 28,265,934 25,331,348 $ 63,425,343 $ 61,913,402 91st National Convention 65

Page 65 The American Legion National Headquarters Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2008 and 2007

Member development includes direct response advertising expense of $7,285,972 and $6,778,822 for the years ended Dec. 31, 2008 and 2007. NOTE 20 – LITIGATION The Legion is currently involved in and/or has been mentioned as a defendant or co-defendant in several legal actions. It is the opinion of the national judge advocate that these claims are without merit and any ultimate liability of the Legion with respect to these actions will not materially aff ect the fi nancial position of the Legion.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The American Legion National Headquarters Reconciliation of Internal Financial Statements to Audited Financial Statements Years Ended December 31, 2008 and 2007

66 The American Legion

Page 66 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2008

91st National Convention 67

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68 The American Legion

Page 68 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2008

91st National Convention 69

Page 69 The American Legion National Headquarters Consolidating Statement of Activities Year ended December 31, 2007

70 The American Legion

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Page 71 Thank You

BEAM GLOBAL SPIRITS & WINE IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THE AMERICAN LEGION

A. Carl Platt, Attorney at Law Bill Ryall Impact U.S. Neutz & Tudor Automotive Specialists, Inc. “A Living Treasure,” Robert C. Knudsen Bob Evans Farms Restaurant Infi niti Wireless Solutions Northwest Airlines Alliance Defense Fund Boy Scouts of America Internal Revenue Service Offi ce of the Chief, Army Reserve American Academy of Ophthalmology Brad Knapp Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Operation Comfort Warriors American Airlines Children’s Organ Transplant Association Kentucky Department of Veterans Aff airs Trust Fund Owen Funeral Home, Inc. American Legion Abraham Lincoln Cinnamon Jawor Post 167 Kentucky International Convention Plymouth Tube Co. Corande Publishing, LLC Center American Legion Bullitt County Publishers Printing Co. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store LadyJayne Ltd. Post 157 Sam Meyers Tuxedo CVS Caremark / Mercer Laura Gipe American Legion Edward W. Boers Sandollar Limo Post 153 D.E. Baugh Co., Inc. Laurad Designs Schermer Pecan Co. American Legion Federal Post 313 Darryl Worley Linda’s Place Social Security Administration American Legion Henry DeHaven Delta Dental of California Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau Moorman Post 1 Special Security Services, Inc. Louisville Fire Department The Department of Kentucky American Spirit of America American Legion Highland Post 201 Legion Family Louisville Police Department Stage Tech, Inc. American Legion Iroquois Post 229 Department of Veterans Aff airs – VA Louisville Slugger Museum American Legion Marion Post 49 Research and Development, Veterans Stifel Nicolaus and Co., Inc. Health Administration, National Maj. Gen. Edward Tonini, TAG-KY American Legion Metcalf County Cemetery Administration and VA Susan Sauer Post 65 Medical Centers Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc. Terri Lynn, Inc. American Legion Old Kentucky Home Essential Details Maestro Peter Ole’ The American Legion Child Welfare Post 121 Foundation “The Ether Zone: U.S. Army Special Marco American Legion Racing Forces Detachment B-52, Project Delta,” Marine Corps League, Detachment 729 The American Legion Children’s Home Raymond C. Morris American Legion Ritchie-Trent Markey’s Rental & Staging The American Legion IT Division Post 148 EyeMed Vision Care Masterpiece Creations by Centerplate The American Legion Member Benefi ts American Legion Simpson Post 62 Frazier International History Museum at KICC The David Law Firm American Red Cross Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. Mattingly & Sons, Inc. The Post Insurance Program Americanism and Children & Youth / Gallagher Benefi t Services, Inc. Mercy Medical Airlift The Travel Authority – Legion Family Legacy Scholarship Galt House Hotel & Suites Michael Peterson Travel AON Association Services Gayle Johnson Muth’s Candies Uniformed Services University Armed Forces Retirement Home George Fern Co. Nancy Hays Entertainment, Inc. United Airlines Army Freedom Team Salute Grizzard Communications Group National CASA Association United Displays of America AT&T Inc. Hadley Pottery Co., Inc. National City Bank – Gardiner Lane University of Phoenix, Military Division Atlantic Bingo Supply, Inc. Haynes & Partners Communications, National Convention Commission, U.S. Army Veteran Medals Avis Rental Car Co. Inc. Michael E. Walton (IL), Chairman U.S. Department of State Bargain Supply Co, Inc. Highland Funeral Home, Inc. National Convention Corp. of Kentucky, U.S. Offi ce of Personnel Management Inc. Belle of Louisville Hillerich & Bradsby Co. Veterans Holidays / RCI National Library Service for the Blind Belterra Casino Resort & Spa Horseshoe Casino Hotel and Physically Handicapped Virginia Tech / Operation Military Kids Bensussen, Deutsch & Associates Humana Military Healthcare Services National Organizations for Youth Safety Visit Milwaukee Bestsoles By Nancy Wilson Hyatt Regency Louisville National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation Wyndham Hotel Group 72 The American Legion

Page 72 MEETINGS OUTSIDE THE BOX.

TOP OPEN OR CLOSED.

At the intersection of meetings and success: YOU ARE HERE. Milwaukee. Sparkling convention center. Wowing event sites. Multicultural fl avor. Inviting city style. Dining to entertainment, attractions to arts, hospitality to value, the world is coming to Milwaukee. Come, fi nd yourself here.

Milwaukee is proud host of the American Legion 2010 Annual Convention.

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Join us every Sunday

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Looks, style and taste–RIVUE has it all. Voted one of Louisville’s best restaurants, RIVUE features expansive views of downtown and the waterfront, framed in a sophisti- cated metropolitan atmosphere. And the food is even more amazing. If you appreciate the finer things in life, you owe it to yourself to give RIVUE a try. It’s more than a restau- rant, it’s dining at a whole new level.

140 NORTH FOURTH STREET, LOUISVILLE, KY ‡ ATOP THE GALT HOUSE HOTEL TUES.-SAT. 5:30-10PM ‡ LOUNGE OPENS AT 5PM ‡ 502-568-4239 ‡ rivue.com

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